CD244 Inhibition Useful for Memory T Cell Expansion in Chronic Infection

Emory University
posted on 01/16/2012

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Application

Expansion of CD8+ Memory T Cells during chronic infection or high antigen exposure (cancer).

Key Benefits

• Inhibition of CD244 receptor blocks memory cell loss during persistent antigen stimulation (chronic infection or cancer).

Technical Summary

By comparing the responses of memory and naive CD8+ T cells to acute and chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection, we have shown that memory cells dominated over naive cells and were protective when present in sufficient numbers to quickly reduce infection. In contrast, when infection was not rapidly reduced, because of high antigen load or persistence, CD8+memory cells were quickly lost. This loss of memory T cells was due to a block in sustaining cell proliferation, selective regulation by the inhibitory receptor 2B4 (CD244). Thus, emphasizing the importance of designing vaccines that elicit effective T cell responses to rapidly control infection. To design successful vaccines for chronic diseases, an understanding of memory CD8+ T cell responses to persistent antigen re-stimulation is critical.

Developmental Stage

• Proof-of-principle in vivo studies identifying role of CD244 in Memory T cell loss. (Immunity 35, 1-14, August 26, 2011.)