Divergent molecular networks program functionally distinct CD8+ skin-resident memory T cells

Skin-resident CD8+ T cells include distinct interferon-γ-producing [tissue-resident memory T type 1 (TRM1)] and interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing (TRM17) subsets that differentially contribute to immune responses. However, whether these populations use common mechanisms to establish tissue residence is unknown. In this work, we show that TRM1 and TRM17 cells navigate divergent trajectories to acquire tissue residency in the skin. TRM1 cells depend on a T-bet-Hobit-IL-15 axis, whereas TRM17 cells develop independently of these factors. Instead, c-Maf commands a tissue-resident program in TRM17 cells parallel to that induced by Hobit in TRM1 cells, with an ICOS-c-Maf-IL-7 axis pivotal to TRM17 cell commitment. Accordingly, by targeting this pathway, skin TRM17 cells can be ablated without compromising their TRM1 counterparts. Thus, skin-resident T cells rely on distinct molecular circuitries, which can be exploited to strategically modulate local immunity.

Runx3 drives a CD8+ T cell tissue residency program that is absent in CD4+ T cells

Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM cells) provide rapid and superior control of localized infections. While the transcription factor Runx3 is a critical regulator of CD8+ T cell tissue residency, its expression is repressed in CD4+ T cells. Here, we show that, as a direct consequence of this Runx3-deficiency, CD4+ TRM cells lacked the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-responsive transcriptional network that underpins the tissue residency of epithelial CD8+ TRM cells. While CD4+ TRM cell formation required Runx1, this, along with the modest expression of Runx3 in CD4+ TRM cells, was insufficient to engage the TGF-β-driven residency program. Ectopic expression of Runx3 in CD4+ T cells incited this TGF-β-transcriptional network to promote prolonged survival, decreased tissue egress, a microanatomical redistribution towards epithelial layers and enhanced effector functionality. Thus, our results reveal distinct programming of tissue residency in CD8+ and CD4+ TRM cell subsets that is attributable to divergent Runx3 activity.

Nociceptive sensory neurons promote CD8 T cell responses to HSV-1 infection

Host protection against cutaneous herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection relies on the induction of a robust adaptive immune response. Here, we show that Nav1.8+ sensory neurons, which are involved in pain perception, control the magnitude of CD8 T cell priming and expansion in HSV-1-infected mice. The ablation of Nav1.8-expressing sensory neurons is associated with extensive skin lesions characterized by enhanced inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production. Mechanistically, Nav1.8+ sensory neurons are required for the downregulation of neutrophil infiltration in the skin after viral clearance to limit the severity of tissue damage and restore skin homeostasis, as well as for eliciting robust CD8 T cell priming in skin-draining lymph nodes by controlling dendritic cell responses. Collectively, our data reveal an important role for the sensory nervous system in regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infection, thereby opening up possibilities for new therapeutic strategies.

Should I stay or should I go—Reconciling clashing perspectives on CD4+ tissue-resident memory T cells

Two recent studies on CD4+ T cells in nonlymphoid tissues reveal a combination of memory cell retention and emigration.

Staged development of long-lived T-cell receptor αβ TH17 resident memory T-cell population to Candida albicans after skin infection

BACKGROUND

Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus to which human subjects are exposed early in life, and by adulthood, it is part of the mycobiome of skin and other tissues. Neonatal skin lacks resident memory T (T_RM) cells, but in adults the C albicans skin test is a surrogate for immunocompetence. Young adult mice raised under specific pathogen-free conditions are naive to C albicans and have been shown recently to have an immune system resembling that of neonatal human subjects.

OBJECTIVE

We studied the evolution of the adaptive cutaneous immune response to Candida species.

METHODS

We examined both human skin T cells and the de novo and memory immune responses in a mouse model of C albicans skin infection.

RESULTS

In mice the initial IL-17-producing cells after C albicans infection were dermal γδ T cells, but by day 7, αβ T_H17 effector T cells were predominant. By day 30, the majority of C albicans-reactive IL-17-producing T cells were CD4 T_RM cells. Intravital microscopy showed that CD4 effector T cells were recruited to the site of primary infection and were highly motile 10 days after infection. Between 30 and 90 days after infection, these CD4 T cells became increasingly sessile, acquired expression of CD69 and CD103, and localized to the papillary dermis. These established T_RM cells produced IL-17 on challenge, whereas motile migratory memory T cells did not. T_RM cells rapidly clear an infectious challenge with C albicans more effectively than recirculating T cells, although both populations participate. We found that in normal human skin IL-17-producing CD4⁺ T_RM cells that responded to C albicans in an MHC class II-restricted fashion could be identified readily.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies demonstrate that C albicans infection of skin preferentially generates CD4⁺ IL-17-producing T_RM cells, which mediate durable protective immunity.

Development of a Novel CD4+ TCR Transgenic Line That Reveals a Dominant Role for CD8+ Dendritic Cells and CD40 Signaling in the Generation of Helper and CTL Responses to Blood-Stage Malaria

We describe an MHC class II (I-A^b)-restricted TCR transgenic mouse line that produces CD4⁺ T cells specific for Plasmodium species. This line, termed PbT-II, was derived from a CD4⁺ T cell hybridoma generated to blood-stage Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA). PbT-II cells responded to all Plasmodium species and stages tested so far, including rodent (PbA, P. berghei NK65, Plasmodium chabaudi AS, and Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL) and human (Plasmodium falciparum) blood-stage parasites as well as irradiated PbA sporozoites. PbT-II cells can provide help for generation of Ab to P. chabaudi infection and can control this otherwise lethal infection in CD40L-deficient mice. PbT-II cells can also provide help for development of CD8⁺ T cell-mediated experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) during PbA infection. Using PbT-II CD4⁺ T cells and the previously described PbT-I CD8⁺ T cells, we determined the dendritic cell (DC) subsets responsible for immunity to PbA blood-stage infection. CD8⁺ DC (a subset of XCR1⁺ DC) were the major APC responsible for activation of both T cell subsets, although other DC also contributed to CD4⁺ T cell responses. Depletion of CD8⁺ DC at the beginning of infection prevented ECM development and impaired both Th1 and follicular Th cell responses; in contrast, late depletion did not affect ECM. This study describes a novel and versatile tool for examining CD4⁺ T cell immunity during malaria and provides evidence that CD4⁺ T cell help, acting via CD40L signaling, can promote immunity or pathology to blood-stage malaria largely through Ag presentation by CD8⁺ DC.

Distinct mechanisms govern resident memory T cell differentiation and survival in different tissues

Tissue-resident memory T (Trm) cells are a recently defined population of memory T cells that persist at the site of previous infection and contribute to protective local immunity. Trm cells have been identified in both epithelial and solid organs; however, despite their ubiquity, they share molecular commonalities that are distinct from circulating memory T cells. Therefore, we sought to explore the transcriptional regulation of Trm cells in a number of different organs. Our earlier data demonstrated that Trm cells share a core transcriptional signature regulated by the two related transcription factors Hobit and Blimp1. Here we show that Trm cells also have distinct molecular requirements according to anatomic location. While Hobit was uniquely required for the development of Trm cells in all organs tested, Blimp1 was required in some organs, but dispensable in others. Similar to Blimp1, the T-box transcription factor T-bet was also required for Trm cell development in only a subset of organs. This differential transcription factor dependency was linked to distinct cytokine requirements for Trm cell development in different organs. Trm cell defects were enhanced in the absence of multiple transcription factors, suggesting functional redundancy and implicating a role for distinct transcriptional networks as drivers of Trm cell development in different organs. Together, these data demonstrate the adaptation of Trm cells to specific tissue microenvironments and highlight the importance of studying these cells in a variety of organs.

Characterization of memory CD4+ T cells in skin following infection

Following elimination of virus, stable populations of memory T cells that rapidly respond to secondary infection are generated. A substantial proportion of the memory T cells in the body are found within barrier tissues such as the skin. It remains unclear to what extent the cells in these compartments exchange with those in circulation versus the proportion remaining permanently resident within the tissues. We have examined this for CD4+ T cells in mouse skin. Using parabiosis, we have found that the majority of CD4+ T cells in skin at steady-state are in equilibrium with the blood. A relatively small proportion of skin CD4+ T cells persist in skin for several months without returning to the circulation. At memory following localized infection with HSV-1 or following treatment with the sensitizing agent DNFB, the number of CD4+ T cells in skin does not return to the naïve or baseline levels. Rather, the number of CD4+ T cells in the affected region remains stable over time at a level 6–8 fold higher than in unaffected skin from the same mice. This increase in CD4+T cell numbers is a consequence of enhanced recruitment from the blood and/or prolonged persistence of recruited circulating T cells once in skin before again returning to the circulation. Hair follicle-derived chemokines are involved in retaining CD4+ memory T cells in skin and the majority of CD4+ T cells that produce IFNg in response to secondary HSV-1 infection show perifollicular localization. Overall, this characterization of the CD4+ T cell content in skin following infection and contact sensitization provides an insight into how these cells are retained in skin for enhanced response on subsequent antigen encounter.

Cutting Edge: Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells Generated by Multiple Immunizations or Localized Deposition Provide Enhanced Immunity

Tissue-resident memory T cells (T_RM) have been shown to afford superior protection against infection, particularly against pathogens that enter via the epithelial surfaces of the body. Although T_RM are often concentrated at sites of prior infection, it has been shown that T_RM can disseminate throughout the body. We examined the relative effectiveness of global versus targeted CD8⁺ T_RM lodgment in skin. The site of initial T cell priming made little difference to skin lodgement, whereas local inflammation and Ag recognition enhanced T_RM accumulation and retention. Disseminated T_RM lodgment was seen with the skin, but required multiple exposures to Ag and was inferior to targeted strategies. As a consequence, active recruitment by inflammation or infection resulted in superior T_RM numbers and maximal protection against infection. Overall, these results highlight the potency of localized T_RM deposition as a means of pathogen control as well as demonstrating the limitations of global T_RM lodgment.

Transcriptional Analysis of T Cells Resident in Human Skin

Human skin contains various populations of memory T cells in permanent residence and in transit. Arguably, the best characterized of the skin subsets are the CD8(+) permanently resident memory T cells (TRM) expressing the integrin subunit, CD103. In order to investigate the remaining skin T cells, we isolated skin-tropic (CLA(+)) helper T cells, regulatory T cells, and CD8(+) CD103(-) T cells from skin and blood for RNA microarray analysis to compare the transcriptional profiles of these groups. We found that despite their common tropism, the T cells isolated from skin were transcriptionally distinct from blood-derived CLA(+) T cells. A shared pool of genes contributed to the skin/blood discrepancy, with substantial overlap in differentially expressed genes between each T cell subset. Gene set enrichment analysis further showed that the differential gene profiles of each human skin T cell subset were significantly enriched for previously identified TRM core signature genes. Our results support the hypothesis that human skin may contain additional TRM or TRM-like populations.

Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells and Fixed Immune Surveillance in Nonlymphoid Organs

T cell immunity is often defined in terms of memory lymphocytes that use the blood to access a range of organs. T cells are involved in two patterns of recirculation. In one, the cells shuttle back and forth between blood and secondary lymphoid organs, whereas in the second, memory cells recirculate between blood and nonlymphoid tissues. The latter is a means by which blood T cells control peripheral infection. It is now clear that there exists a distinct memory T cell subset that is absent from blood but found within nonlymphoid tissues. These nonrecirculating tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells develop within peripheral compartments and never spread beyond their point of lodgement. This review examines fixed immune surveillance by TRM cells, highlighting features that make them potent controllers of infection in nonlymphoid tissues. These features provide clues about TRM cell specialization, such as their ability to deal with sequestered, persisting infections confined to peripheral compartments.

A NK complex-linked locus restricts the spread of herpes simplex virus type 1 in the brains of C57BL/6 mice

The most frequent cause of sporadic viral encephalitis in western countries is Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Despite treatment, mortality rates reach 20-30% while survivors often suffer from significant morbidity. In mice, resistance to lethal Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is multifactorial and influenced by mouse and virus strain as well as route of infection. The ability to restrict viral spread in the brain is one factor contributing to resistance. After infection of the oral mucosa with HSV type 1 (HSV-1), virus spreads throughout the brains of susceptible strains but is restricted in resistant C57BL/6 mice. To further investigate restriction of viral spread in the brain, mendelian analysis was combined with studies of congenic, intra-natural killer complex (intra-NKC) recombinant and antibody-depleted mice. Results from mendelian analysis support the restriction of viral spread as a dominant trait and consistent with a single gene effect. In congenic mice, the locus maps to the NKC on chromosome 6 and is provisionally termed Herpes Resistance Locus 2 (Hrl2). In intra-NKC recombinants, the locus is further mapped to the segment Cd69 through D6Wum34; a different location from previously identified loci (Hrl and Rhs1) also associated with HSV-1 infection. Studies with antibody-depleted mice indicate the effect of this locus is mediated by NK1.1(+) expressing cells. This model increases our knowledge of lethal HSE, which may lead to new treatment options.

CD4 helpers put tissue-resident memory cells in their place

The regulation of tissue-resident memory cell development is poorly understood. In this issue of Immunity, Laidlaw et al. (2014) demonstrate that CD4(+) T cells promote development of lung-resident memory cells by limiting T-bet expression and directing CD8(+) T cells to the airway epithelium.

Lytic gene expression is frequent in HSV-1 latent infection and correlates with the engagement of a cell-intrinsic transcriptional response

Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are significant human pathogens that provide one of the best-described examples of viral latency and reactivation. HSV latency occurs in sensory neurons, being characterized by the absence of virus replication and only fragmentary evidence of protein production. In mouse models, HSV latency is especially stable but the detection of some lytic gene transcription and the ongoing presence of activated immune cells in latent ganglia have been used to suggest that this state is not entirely quiescent. Alternatively, these findings can be interpreted as signs of a low, but constant level of abortive reactivation punctuating otherwise silent latency. Using single cell analysis of transcription in mouse dorsal root ganglia, we reveal that HSV-1 latency is highly dynamic in the majority of neurons. Specifically, transcription from areas of the HSV genome associated with at least one viral lytic gene occurs in nearly two thirds of latently-infected neurons and more than half of these have RNA from more than one lytic gene locus. Further, bioinformatics analyses of host transcription showed that progressive appearance of these lytic transcripts correlated with alterations in expression of cellular genes. These data show for the first time that transcription consistent with lytic gene expression is a frequent event, taking place in the majority of HSV latently-infected neurons. Furthermore, this transcription is of biological significance in that it influences host gene expression. We suggest that the maintenance of HSV latency involves an active host response to frequent viral activity.

Primary herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are characterized by acute disease that resolves rapidly, but the virus persists in a latent form in sensory neurons that can be a source of renewed disease. Analyzing gene expression in single mouse neurons harboring latent HSV, we show directly that HSV latency is dynamic and heterogeneous. HSV lytic gene transcripts were frequently detected in latently infected neurons and often in combinations. Expression of selected cellular anti-viral and survival genes showed that transcriptional profiles differed between latently infected and uninfected neurons from the same ganglia. The pattern of host gene expression also differed between latently infected neurons that were and were not experiencing HSV lytic gene expression. Our study suggests that HSV latency is characterized by very frequent switching on of lytic genes and a rapid response by the host, presumably to halt progression to reactivation.

Tissue-resident T cells: dynamic players in skin immunity

The skin is a large and complex organ that acts as a critical barrier protecting the body from pathogens in the environment. Numerous heterogeneous populations of immune cells are found within skin, including some that remain resident and others that can enter and exit the skin as part of their migration program. Pathogen-specific CD8⁺ T cells that persist in the epidermis following infection are a unique population of memory cells with important roles in immune surveillance and protective responses to reinfection. How these tissue-resident memory T cells form in the skin, the signals controlling their persistence and behavior, and the mechanisms by which they mediate local recall responses are just beginning to be elucidated. Here, we discuss recent progress in understanding the roles of these skin-resident T cells and also highlight some of the key unanswered questions that need addressing.

CD8+ T cells from a novel T cell receptor transgenic mouse induce liver-stage immunity that can be boosted by blood-stage infection in rodent malaria

To follow the fate of CD8⁺ T cells responsive to Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) infection, we generated an MHC I-restricted TCR transgenic mouse line against this pathogen. T cells from this line, termed PbT-I T cells, were able to respond to blood-stage infection by PbA and two other rodent malaria species, P. yoelii XNL and P. chabaudi AS. These PbT-I T cells were also able to respond to sporozoites and to protect mice from liver-stage infection. Examination of the requirements for priming after intravenous administration of irradiated sporozoites, an effective vaccination approach, showed that the spleen rather than the liver was the main site of priming and that responses depended on CD8α⁺ dendritic cells. Importantly, sequential exposure to irradiated sporozoites followed two days later by blood-stage infection led to augmented PbT-I T cell expansion. These findings indicate that PbT-I T cells are a highly versatile tool for studying multiple stages and species of rodent malaria and suggest that cross-stage reactive CD8⁺ T cells may be utilized in liver-stage vaccine design to enable boosting by blood-stage infections.

Malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium species, which have a highly complex life cycle involving both liver and blood stages of mammalian infection. To prevent disease, one strategy has been to induce CD8⁺ T cells against liver-stage parasites, usually by immunization with stage-specific antigens. Here we describe a T cell receptor specificity that recognizes an antigen expressed in both the liver and blood stages of several rodent Plasmodium species. We generated a T cell receptor transgenic mouse with this specificity and showed that T cells from this line could protect against liver-stage infection. We used this novel tool to identify the site and cell-type involved in priming to a recently developed intravenous attenuated sporozoite vaccine shown to have efficacy in humans. We showed that CD8⁺ T cells with this specificity could protect against liver-stage infection while causing pathology to the blood stage. Finally, we provided evidence that T cells with cross-stage specificity can be primed and boosted on alternative stages, raising the possibility that antigens expressed in multiple stages might be ideal vaccine candidates for generating strong immunity to liver-stage parasites.

Type I IFN suppresses Cxcr2 driven neutrophil recruitment into the sensory ganglia during viral infection

Infection induces the expression of inflammatory chemokines that recruit immune cells to the site of inflammation. Whereas tissues such as the intestine and skin express unique chemokines during homeostasis, whether different tissues express distinct chemokine profiles during inflammation remains unclear. With this in mind, we performed a comprehensive screen of the chemokines expressed by two tissues (skin and sensory ganglia) infected with a common viral pathogen (herpes simplex virus type 1). After infection, the skin and ganglia showed marked differences in their expression of the family of Cxcr2 chemokine ligands. Specifically, Cxcl1/2/3, which in turn controlled neutrophil recruitment, was up-regulated in the skin but absent from the ganglia. Within the ganglia, Cxcl2 expression and subsequent neutrophil recruitment was inhibited by type I interferon (IFN). Using a combination of bone marrow chimeras and intracellular chemokine staining, we show that type I IFN acted by directly suppressing Cxcl2 expression by monocytes, abrogating their ability to recruit neutrophils to the ganglia. Overall, our findings describe a novel role for IFN in the direct, and selective, inhibition of Cxcr2 chemokine ligands, which results in the inhibition of neutrophil recruitment to neuronal tissue.

Distinct resident and recirculating memory T cell subsets in non-lymphoid tissues

Antigen experienced or memory T cells make a critical contribution to immunity against infection. Many pathogens colonise non-lymphoid tissues and memory T cells in these compartments can deal with such localised infections. Emerging data show that there are at least two phenotypically distinct peripheral T cell subsets, one permanently resident and one recirculating between tissues and blood. A full appreciation of the T cells in the non-lymphoid memory pool and their relationship to those in the circulation is an important step in understanding how to generate and exploit effective peripheral immunity for the purpose of infection control.

Indiscriminate memories during infection control

In this issue of Immunity, Soudja et al. (2012) demonstrate that non-antigen-specific stimulation evoked by a variety of pathogens plays an important role in the innate acquisition of effector function by memory CD8(+) T cells.

Memory T cell subsets, migration patterns, and tissue residence

Tissues such as the skin and mucosae are frequently exposed to microbial pathogens. Infectious agents must be quickly and efficiently controlled by our immune system, but the low frequency of naive T cells specific for any one pathogen means dependence on primary responses initiated in draining lymph nodes, often allowing time for serious infection to develop. These responses imprint effectors with the capacity to home to infected tissues; this process, combined with inflammatory signals, ensures the effective targeting of primary immunity. Upon vaccination or previous pathogen exposure, increased pathogen-specific T cell numbers together with altered migratory patterns of memory T cells can greatly improve immune efficacy, ensuring infections are prevented or at least remain subclinical. Until recently, memory T cell populations were considered to comprise central memory T cells (TCM), which are restricted to the secondary lymphoid tissues and blood, and effector memory T cells (TEM), which broadly migrate between peripheral tissues, the blood, and the spleen. Here we review evidence for these two memory populations, highlight a relatively new player, the tissue-resident memory T cell (TRM), and emphasize the potential differences between the migratory patterns of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. This new understanding raises important considerations for vaccine design and for the measurement of immune parameters critical to the control of infectious disease, autoimmunity, and cancer.

Maintenance of T cell function in the face of chronic antigen stimulation and repeated reactivation for a latent virus infection

Persisting infections are often associated with chronic T cell activation. For certain pathogens, this can lead to T cell exhaustion and survival of what is otherwise a cleared infection. In contrast, for herpesviruses, T cells never eliminate infection once it is established. Instead, effective immunity appears to maintain these pathogens in a state of latency. We used infection with HSV to examine whether effector-type T cells undergoing chronic stimulation retained functional and proliferative capacity during latency and subsequent reactivation. We found that latency-associated T cells exhibited a polyfunctional phenotype and could secrete a range of effector cytokines. These T cells were also capable of mounting a recall proliferative response on HSV reactivation and could do so repeatedly. Thus, for this latent infection, T cells subjected to chronic Ag stimulation and periodic reactivation retain the ability to respond to local virus challenge.

Reactive murine lymph nodes uniquely permit parenchymal access for T cells that enter via the afferent lymphatics

Whereas naïve T cells access the lymph nodes predominantly via the high endothelial venules, their effector counterparts can also enter via the afferent lymphatics. It is unclear if such cells are confined to the lymphatic spaces during their transit through the lymph node or whether they can access the lymphocyte- and dendritic cell-rich parenchyma with its potentially stimulatory environment. We used a flank HSV inoculation model that featured neuronal-mediated movement of virus to distinct areas of skin to study the lymphatic-mediated transit of activated T cells between different skin-draining lymph nodes. These experiments showed that activated T cells released from the brachial lymph node, draining the primary site of inoculation, entered the downstream axillary lymph node. These activated T cells accessed the subcapsular areas of the axillary lymph node via lymphatic vessels exiting the upstream brachial node regardless of whether the former drained skin that was associated with active infection. However, T cells remained within the sinusoidal network of the axillary lymph node unless it was directly associated with peripheral infection. Thus, activated T cells that enter a given lymph node using the afferent lymphatics do not have automatic access to the parenchyma unless it is a reactive node involved with peripheral inflammation or infection.

Aire regulates the transfer of antigen from mTECs to dendritic cells for induction of thymic tolerance

To investigate the role of Aire in thymic selection, we examined the cellular requirements for generation of ovalbumin (OVA)-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells in mice expressing OVA under the control of the rat insulin promoter. Aire deficiency reduced the number of mature single-positive OVA-specific CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells in the thymus, independent of OVA expression. Importantly, it also contributed in 2 ways to OVA-dependent negative selection depending on the T-cell type. Aire-dependent negative selection of OVA-specific CD8 T cells correlated with Aire-regulated expression of OVA. By contrast, for OVA-specific CD4 T cells, Aire affected tolerance induction by a mechanism that operated independent of the level of OVA expression, controlling access of antigen presenting cells to medullary thymic epithelial cell (mTEC)-expressed OVA. This study supports the view that one mechanism by which Aire controls thymic negative selection is by regulating the indirect presentation of mTEC-derived antigens by thymic dendritic cells. It also indicates that mTECs can mediate tolerance by direct presentation of Aire-regulated antigens to both CD4 and CD8 T cells.

Different patterns of peripheral migration by memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells

Infections localized to peripheral tissues such as the skin result in the priming of T-cell responses that act to control pathogens. Activated T cells undergo migrational imprinting within the draining lymph nodes, resulting in memory T cells that provide local and systemic protection. Combinations of migrating and resident memory T cells have been implicated in long-term peripheral immunity, especially at the surfaces that form pathogen entry points into the body. However, T-cell immunity consists of separate CD4(+) helper T cells and CD8(+) killer T cells, with distinct effector and memory programming requirements. Whether these subsets also differ in their ability to form a migrating pool involved in peripheral immunosurveillance or a separate resident population responsible for local infection control has not been explored. Here, using mice, we show key differences in the migration and tissue localization of memory CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells following infection of the skin by herpes simplex virus. On resolution of infection, the skin contained two distinct virus-specific memory subsets; a slow-moving population of sequestered CD8(+) T cells that were resident in the epidermis and confined largely to the original site of infection, and a dynamic population of CD4(+) T cells that trafficked rapidly through the dermis as part of a wider recirculation pattern. Unique homing-molecule expression by recirculating CD4(+) T effector-memory cells mirrored their preferential skin-migratory capacity. Overall, these results identify a complexity in memory T-cell migration, illuminating previously unappreciated differences between the CD4(+) and CD8(+) subsets.

Fixing an irrelevant TCR alpha chain reveals the importance of TCR beta diversity for optimal TCR alpha beta pairing and function of virus-specific CD8+ T cells

TCR repertoire diversity can influence the efficacy of CD8(+) T-cell populations, with greater breadth eliciting better protection. We analyzed TCR beta diversity and functional capacity for influenza-specific CD8(+) T cells expressing a single TCR alpha chain. Mice (A7) transgenic for the H2K(b)OVA(257-264)-specific V alpha 2.7 TCR were challenged with influenza to determine how fixing this "irrelevant" TCR alpha affects the "public" and restricted D(b)NP(366) (+)CD8(+) versus the "private" and diverse D(b)PA(224) (+)CD8(+) responses. Though both D(b)NP(366) (+)CD8(+) and D(b)PA(224) (+)CD8(+) sets are generated in virus-primed A7 mice, the constrained D(b)NP(366) (+)CD8(+) population lacked the characteristic, public TCRV beta 8.3, and consequently was reduced in magnitude and pMHC-I avidity. For the more diverse D(b)PA(224) (+)CD8(+) T cells, this particular forcing led to a narrowing and higher TCR beta conservation of the dominant V beta 7, though the responses were of comparable magnitude to C57BL/6J controls. Interestingly, although both the TCR beta diversity and the cytokine profiles were reduced for the D(b)NP(366) (+)CD8(+) and D(b)PA(224) (+)CD8(+) sets in spleen, the latter measure of polyfunctionality was comparable for T cells recovered from the infected lungs of A7 and control mice. Even "sub-optimal" TCR alpha beta pairs can operate effectively when exposed in a milieu of high virus load. Thus, TCR beta diversity is important for optimal TCR alpha beta pairing and function when TCR alpha is limiting.

Blood-stage Plasmodium berghei infection leads to short-lived parasite-associated antigen presentation by dendritic cells

Despite extensive evidence that Plasmodium species are capable of stimulating the immune system, the association of malaria with a higher incidence of other infectious diseases and reduced responses to vaccination against unrelated pathogens suggests the existence of immune suppression. Recently, we provided evidence that blood-stage Plasmodium berghei infection leads to suppression of MHC class I-restricted immunity to third party (non-malarial) antigens as a consequence of systemic DC activation. This earlier study did not, however, determine whether reactivity was also impaired to MHC class II-restricted third party antigens or to Plasmodium antigens themselves. Here, we show that while P. berghei-expressed antigens were presented early in infection, there was a rapid decline in presentation within 4 days, paralleling impairment in MHC class I- and II-restricted presentation of third party antigens. This provides important evidence that P. berghei not only causes immunosuppression to subsequently encountered third party antigens, but also rapidly limits the capacity to generate effective parasite-specific immunity.

Cutting edge: priming of CD8 T cell immunity to herpes simplex virus type 1 requires cognate TLR3 expression in vivo

Despite its potential for involvement in viral immunity, little evidence links TLR3 to adaptive antiviral responses. Here we show that TLR3 is required for the generation of CD8 T cell immunity to HSV-1. The magnitude of the gB-specific CD8 T cell response after flank infection by HSV-1 was significantly reduced in mice lacking TIR domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-beta or TLR3, but not MyD88. Impaired CTL induction was evident in chimeric mice lacking TLR3 in bone marrow (BM)-derived cells. Among the dendritic cell subsets, TLR3 was expressed by CD8alpha(+) dendritic cells, known to be involved in priming HSV-1-specific CD8 T cells. Use of mixed BM chimeras revealed that TLR3 and the MHC class I-restriction element must be expressed by the same BM-derived cell for effective priming. These data imply that a cognate linkage between TLR3 and MHC class I is required for efficient CTL priming to HSV-1.

Differential migration of epidermal and dermal dendritic cells during skin infection

Dendritic cells (DCs) are extremely heterogeneous, most evident in the skin where a variety of different subsets have been identified in recent years. DCs of healthy skin include a number of distinct populations in the dermal layer as well as the well-characterized Langerhans cells (LCs) of the epidermis. These steady-state populations are augmented during bouts of local inflammation by additional monocyte-derived DCs. In an effort to better understand the distinction between the different subsets, we examined their behavior following skin infection with HSV. LC emigration rapidly followed appearance of virus in the skin and resulted in depopulation of regions in areas surrounding infected nerve endings. A separate DC population was found to accumulate within the dermis under patches of active epidermal infection with at least some derived from blood monocyte precursors. Ag-positive DCs could occasionally be found in these dermal accumulations, although they represented a minority of DCs in these areas. In addition, infected DCs appeared compromised in their trafficking capabilities and were largely absent from the migrating population. On resolution of skin disease, LCs repopulated the reformed epidermis and these were of mixed origin, with around half entering from the circulation and the remainder derived from local progenitors. Overall, our results show a range of migrational complexities between distinct skin DC populations as a consequence of localized infection.

Cross-presentation of viral and self antigens by skin-derived CD103+ dendritic cells

Skin-derived dendritic cells (DCs) include Langerhans cells, classical dermal DCs and a langerin-positive CD103(+) dermal subset. We examined their involvement in the presentation of skin-associated viral and self antigens. Only the CD103(+) subset efficiently presented antigens of herpes simplex virus type 1 to naive CD8(+) T cells, although all subsets presented these antigens to CD4(+) T cells. This showed that CD103(+) DCs were the migratory subset most efficient at processing viral antigens into the major histocompatibility complex class I pathway, potentially through cross-presentation. This was supported by data showing only CD103(+) DCs efficiently cross-presented skin-derived self antigens. This indicates CD103(+) DCs are the main migratory subtype able to cross-present viral and self antigens, which identifies another level of specialization for skin DCs.

Memory T cells in nonlymphoid tissue that provide enhanced local immunity during infection with herpes simplex virus

Effective immunity is dependent on long-surviving memory T cells. Various memory subsets make distinct contributions to immune protection, especially in peripheral infection. It has been suggested that T cells in nonlymphoid tissues are important during local infection, although their relationship with populations in the circulation remains poorly defined. Here we describe a unique memory T cell subset present after acute infection with herpes simplex virus that remained resident in the skin and in latently infected sensory ganglia. These T cells were in disequilibrium with the circulating lymphocyte pool and controlled new infection with this virus. Thus, these cells represent an example of tissue-resident memory T cells that can provide protective immunity at points of pathogen entry.

Cutting edge: local recall responses by memory T cells newly recruited to peripheral nonlymphoid tissues

Infection results in the formation of a circulating effector memory T cell population able to enter peripheral tissues either in the steady state or in response to localized infection. As a consequence, recall is thought to result from a phased response first involving those T cells already at the site of infection followed by the infiltration of memory cells from the wider circulation. We have recently reported that tissue-resident T cells can undergo stimulation and proliferation in response to local infection. In this study, we examine the proliferation of memory T cells newly recruited from the circulation. Our results show that although recruitment of circulating memory cells is nonspecific in nature, there is preferential proliferation of specific T cells within infected tissues. Thus, expansion represents a means of local Ag-specific enrichment of T cells recruited from a circulating memory pool of mixed specificities.

Cutting edge: Enhanced IL-2 signaling can convert self-specific T cell response from tolerance to autoimmunity

Naive and memory T cells show differences in their response to antigenic stimulation. We examined whether this difference extended to the peripheral deletion of T cells reactive to self-Ag or, alternatively, the induction of autoimmunity. Our results show that although both populations where susceptible to deletion, memory T cells, but not naive T cells, also gave rise to autoimmunity after in vivo presentation of skin-derived self-Ags. The same migratory dendritic cells presented self-Ag to both naive and memory T cell populations, but only the latter had significant levels of the effector molecule granzyme B. Memory T cells also expressed increased levels of the high affinity IL-2 receptor chain after self-Ag recognition. Provision of IL-2 signaling using a stimulatory complex of anti-IL-2 Ab and IL-2 drove the otherwise tolerant naive T cells toward an autoimmune response. Therefore, enhanced IL-2 signaling can act as a major selector between tolerance and autoimmunity.

Cutting edge: Tissue-resident memory CTL down-regulate cytolytic molecule expression following virus clearance

CTL express lytic proteins that mediate the cytolysis of virus-infected cells. In this study, cytolytic transcriptional profiles were determined for individual CTL responding to influenza A virus and HSV-1. During acute infection, influenza-specific CTL in the spleen and respiratory airways displayed highly activated cytolytic profiles, as did HSV-1-specific CTL localized in the spleen, skin, and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). In contrast, memory CTL dramatically down-regulated cytolytic molecule transcription. This occurred for both lymphoid (spleen) and tissue-resident (skin and/or lung) memory CTL. In contrast, HSV-1-specific CTL localized in the dorsal root ganglia in the presence latent HSV-1 Ag did not down-regulate cytolytic molecule transcription. Therefore, both lymphoid and tissue-resident memory CTL down-regulate cytolytic molecule transcription following virus clearance unless localized Ag is present.

Dendritic cell-induced memory T cell activation in nonlymphoid tissues

Secondary lymphoid organs are dominant sites of T cell activation, although many T cells are subsequently retained within peripheral tissues. Currently, these nonlymphoid compartments are viewed as sites only of effector T cell function, without the involvement of renewed induction of immunity via the interactions with professional antigen-presenting cells. We describe a method of reactivation of herpes simplex virus to examine the stimulation of tissue-resident T cells during secondary challenge. The results revealed that memory CD8+ T cell responses can be initiated within peripheral tissues through a tripartite interaction that includes CD4+ T cells and recruited dendritic cells. These findings lend evidence for the existence of a sophisticated T cell response mechanism in extra-lymphoid tissues that can act to control localized infection.

Dendritic cell-induced memory T cell activation in nonlymphoid tissues

Secondary lymphoid organs are dominant sites of T cell activation, although many T cells are subsequently retained within peripheral tissues. Currently, these nonlymphoid compartments are viewed as sites only of effector T cell function, without the involvement of renewed induction of immunity via the interactions with professional antigen-presenting cells. We describe a method of reactivation of herpes simplex virus to examine the stimulation of tissue-resident T cells during secondary challenge. The results revealed that memory CD8+ T cell responses can be initiated within peripheral tissues through a tripartite interaction that includes CD4+ T cells and recruited dendritic cells. These findings lend evidence for the existence of a sophisticated T cell response mechanism in extra-lymphoid tissues that can act to control localized infection.

Skin-derived dendritic cells can mediate deletional tolerance of class I-restricted self-reactive T cells

Skin-draining lymph nodes contain a number of dendritic cell (DC) subsets of different origins. Some of these are migratory, such as the skin-derived epidermal Langerhans cells and a separate dermal DC subset, whereas others are lymphoid resident in nature, such as the CD8+ DCs found throughout the lymphoid tissues. In this study, we examine the DC subset presentation of skin-derived self-Ag by migratory and lymphoid-resident DCs, both in the steady state and under conditions of local skin infection. We show that presentation of self-Ag is confined to skin-derived migrating DCs in both settings. Steady state presentation resulted in deletional T cell tolerance despite these DCs expressing a relatively mature phenotype as measured by traditional markers such as the level of MHC class II and CD86 expression. Thus, self-Ag can be carried to the draining lymph nodes by skin-derived DCs and there presented by these same cells for tolerization of the circulating T cell pool.