Durable CD4 T-Cell Memory Generation Depends on Persistence of High Levels of Infection at an Effector Checkpoint that Determines Multiple Fates

We have discovered that the determination of CD4 effector and memory fates after infection is regulated not only by initial signals from antigen and pathogen recognition, but also by a second round of such signals at a checkpoint during the effector response. Signals to effectors determine their subsequent fate, inducing further progression to tissue-restricted follicular helpers, cytotoxic CD4 effectors, and long-lived memory cells. The follicular helpers help the germinal center B-cell responses that give rise to high-affinity long-lived antibody responses and memory B cells that synergize with T-cell memory to provide robust long-lived protection. We postulate that inactivated vaccines do not provide extended signals from antigen and pathogen beyond a few days, and thus elicit ineffective CD4 T- and B-cell effector responses and memory. Defining the mechanisms that underlie effective responses should provide insights necessary to develop vaccine strategies that induce more effective and durable immunity.

Intraepithelial T-cell cytotoxicity, induced bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue, and proliferation of pneumocytes in experimental mouse models of influenza

Immunopathologic examination of the lungs of mice with experimental influenza virus infection reveals three prominent findings. (i) There is rapidly developing perivascular (arterial) and peribronchial infiltration with T-cells and invasion of T-cells into the bronchiolar epithelium, separation of epithelial cells from each other and from the basement membrane, leading to defoliation of the bronchial epithelium. This reaction is analogous to a viral exanthema of the skin, such as measles and smallpox. This previously described but unappreciated reaction most likely is an effective way to eliminate virus-infected cells, but may contribute to acute toxicity and mortality. (ii) After this, there is formation of dense collections of lymphocytes adjacent to bronchi consisting mainly of B-cells, with a scattering of T-cells and macrophages. This is known as induced bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT) and correlates with increased interleukin (IL)-17 in the lung. iBALT provides sites for a local immune reaction in the lung to both the original infection and related viral infections (heterologous immunity). (iii) Within the first 2-3 weeks, there is proliferation of type II pneumocytes and/or terminal bronchial epithelial cells extending from the terminal bronchioles into the adjacent alveoli, eventually leading to large zones of the lung filled with tumor-like epithelial cells with squamous metaplasia. The proliferation correlates with IL-17 and IL-22 expression, and the extent of this reaction appears to be determined by the availability of T-regulatory cells.

Multipronged CD4(+) T-cell effector and memory responses cooperate to provide potent immunity against respiratory virus

Over the last decade, the known spectrum of CD4(+) T-cell effector subsets has become much broader, and it has become clear that there are multiple dimensions by which subsets with a particular cytokine commitment can be further defined, including their stage of differentiation, their location, and, most importantly, their ability to carry out discrete functions. Here, we focus on our studies that highlight the synergy among discrete subsets, especially those defined by helper and cytotoxic function, in mediating viral protection, and on distinctions between CD4(+) T-cell effectors located in spleen, draining lymph node, and in tissue sites of infection. What emerges is a surprising multiplicity of CD4(+) T-cell functions that indicate a large arsenal of mechanisms by which CD4(+) T cells act to combat viruses.

Memory CD4 T cell-mediated immunity against influenza A virus: more than a little helpful

Recent observations have uncovered multiple pathways whereby CD4 T cells can contribute to protective immune responses against microbial threats. Incorporating the generation of memory CD4 T cells into vaccine strategies thus presents an attractive approach toward improving immunity against several important human pathogens, especially those against which antibody responses alone are inadequate to confer long-term immunity. Here, we review how memory CD4 T cells provide protection against influenza viruses. We discuss the complexities of protective memory CD4 T cell responses observed in animal models and the potential challenges of translating these observations into the clinic. Specifically, we concentrate on how better understanding of organ-specific heterogeneity of responding cells and defining multiple correlates of protection might improve vaccine-generated memory CD4 T cells to better protect against seasonal, and more importantly, pandemic influenza.

Multiple redundant effector mechanisms of CD8+ T cells protect against influenza infection

We have previously shown that mice challenged with a lethal dose of A/Puerto Rico/8/34-OVA(I) are protected by injection of 4-8 × 10(6) in vitro-generated Tc1 or Tc17 CD8(+) effectors. Viral load, lung damage, and loss of lung function are all reduced after transfer. Weight loss is reduced and survival increased. We sought in this study to define the mechanism of this protection. CD8(+) effectors exhibit multiple effector activities, perforin-, Fas ligand-, and TRAIL-mediated cytotoxicity, and secretion of multiple cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, IFN-γ, and TNF) and chemokines (CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL10). Transfer of CD8(+) effectors into recipients, before infection, elicits enhanced recruitment of host neutrophils, NK cells, macrophages, and B cells. All of these events have the potential to protect against viral infections. Removal of any one, however, of these potential mechanisms was without effect on protection. Even the simultaneous removal of host T cells, host B cells, and host neutrophils combined with the elimination of perforin-mediated lytic mechanisms in the donor cells failed to reduce their ability to protect. We conclude that CD8(+) effector T cells can protect against the lethal effects of viral infection by means of a large number of redundant mechanisms.

Memory CD4+ T cells protect against influenza through multiple synergizing mechanisms

Memory CD4+ T cells combat viral infection and contribute to protective immune responses through multiple mechanisms, but how these pathways interact is unclear. We found that several pathways involving memory CD4+ T cells act together to effectively clear influenza A virus (IAV) in otherwise unprimed mice. Memory CD4+ T cell protection was enhanced through synergy with naive B cells or CD8+ T cells and maximized when both were present. However, memory CD4+ T cells protected against lower viral doses independently of other lymphocytes through production of IFN-γ. Moreover, memory CD4+ T cells selected for epitope-specific viral escape mutants via a perforin-dependent pathway. By deconstructing protective immunity mediated by memory CD4+ T cells, we demonstrated that this population simultaneously acts through multiple pathways to provide a high level of protection that ensures eradication of rapidly mutating pathogens such as IAV. This redundancy indicates the need for reductionist approaches for delineating the individual mechanisms of protection mediated by memory CD4+ T cells responding to pathogens.

Tc17 cells are capable of mediating immunity to vaccinia virus by acquisition of a cytotoxic phenotype

CD8 T cells can acquire cytokine-secreting phenotypes paralleling cytokine production from Th cells. IL-17-secreting CD8 T cells, termed Tc17 cells, were shown to promote inflammation and mediate immunity to influenza. However, most reports observed a lack of cytotoxic activity by Tc17 cells. In this study, we explored the anti-viral activity of Tc17 cells using a vaccinia virus (VV) infection model. Tc17 cells expanded during VV infection, and TCR transgenic Tc17 cells were capable of clearing recombinant VV infection. In vivo, adoptively transferred Tc17 cells lost the IL-17-secreting phenotype, even in the absence of stimulation, but they did not acquire IFN-gamma-secreting potential unless stimulated with a virus-encoded Ag. However, examination of cells following infection demonstrated that these cells acquired cytotoxic potential in vivo, even in the absence of IFN-gamma. Cytotoxic potential correlated with Fasl expression, and the cytotoxic activity of postinfection Tc17 cells was partially blocked by the addition of anti-FasL. Thus, Tc17 cells mediate VV clearance through expression of specific molecules associated with cytotoxicity but independent of an acquired Tc1 phenotype.

Cellular events in the immune response : analysis and in vitro response of mouse spleen cell populations separated by differential flotation in albumin gradients

Cell suspensions from the spleens of normal mice or mice injected with sheep erythrocytes were separated on a discontinous bovine serum albumin density gradient. Four bands or subpopulations were obtained and were assayed for antibody-forming cells, and for antigen-sensitive precursor cells. The antibody-forming cells were assayed by the hemolytic plaque assay and the antigen-sensitive precursors were assayed by the number of plaque-forming cells which developed after 3 or 5 day's culture with antigen. It was found that both antibody-forming cells and their precursors were present in the denser region of the gradient when spleen cell suspensions were taken from unimmunized mice. In contrast, both antibody-forming cells and precursors floated to the top in cell suspensions from mice sacrificed 1, 2, or 3 days after antigen injection. The change in density was detectable as early as 12 hr and was complete by 18 hr. The cell which changed in density was specific for the antigen that brought about that change. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Memory CD4+ T cells induce innate responses independently of pathogen

Inflammation induced by recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns markedly affects subsequent adaptive responses. We asked whether the adaptive immune system can also affect the character and magnitude of innate inflammatory responses. We found that the response of memory, but not naive, CD4(+) T cells enhances production of multiple innate inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IICs) in the lung and that, during influenza infection, this leads to early control of virus. Memory CD4(+) T cell-induced IICs and viral control require cognate antigen recognition and are optimal when memory cells are either T helper type 1 (T(H)1) or T(H)17 polarized but are independent of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production and do not require activation of conserved pathogen recognition pathways. This represents a previously undescribed mechanism by which memory CD4(+) T cells induce an early innate response that enhances immune protection against pathogens.

Adoptive transfer of tumor-specific Tc17 effector T cells controls the growth of B16 melanoma in mice

In vitro generated OVA-specific IL-17-producing CD8 T effector cells (Tc17) from OT-1 mice, adoptively transferred into B16-OVA tumor-bearing mice, controlled tumor growth in early and late stage melanoma. IL-17, TNF, and IFN-gamma from the Tc17 effectors all played a role in an enhanced recruitment of T cells, neutrophils, and macrophages to the tumor. In addition, Tc17 cells and recently recruited, activated neutrophils produced further chemokines, including CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL10, responsible for the attraction of type 1 lymphocytes (Th1 and Tc1) and additional neutrophils. Neutrophils were rapidly attracted to the tumor site by an IL-17 dependent mechanism, but at later stages the induction of the chemokine CXCL2 by Tc17-derived TNF and IFN-gamma contributed to sustain neutrophil recruitment. Approximately 10-50 times as many Tc17 effectors were required compared with Tc1 effectors to exert the same level of control over tumor growth. The recruitment of neutrophils was more prominent when Tc17 rather than Tc1 were used to control tumor and depletion of neutrophils resulted in a diminished capacity to control tumor growth.

IL-10 deficiency unleashes an influenza-specific Th17 response and enhances survival against high-dose challenge

We examined the expression and influence of IL-10 during influenza infection. We found that IL-10 does not impact sublethal infection, heterosubtypic immunity, or the maintenance of long-lived influenza Ag depots. However, IL-10-deficient mice display dramatically increased survival compared with wild-type mice when challenged with lethal doses of virus, correlating with increased expression of several Th17-associated cytokines in the lungs of IL-10-deficient mice during the peak of infection, but not with unchecked inflammation or with increased cellular responses. Foxp3(-) CD4 T cell effectors at the site of infection represent the most abundant source of IL-10 in wild-type mice during high-dose influenza infection, and the majority of these cells coproduce IFN-gamma. Finally, compared with predominant Th1 responses in wild-type mice, virus-specific T cell responses in the absence of IL-10 display a strong Th17 component in addition to a strong Th1 response and we show that Th17-polarized CD4 T cell effectors can protect naive mice against an otherwise lethal influenza challenge and utilize unique mechanisms to do so. Our results show that IL-10 expression inhibits development of Th17 responses during influenza infection and that this is correlated with compromised protection during high-dose primary, but not secondary, challenge.

Tc17, a unique subset of CD8 T cells that can protect against lethal influenza challenge

We show here that IL-17-secreting CD4 T (Th)17 and CD8 T (Tc)17 effector cells are found in the lung following primary challenge with influenza A and that blocking Ab to IL-17 increases weight loss and reduces survival. Tc17 effectors can be generated in vitro using naive CD8 T cells from OT-I TCR-transgenic mice. T cell numbers expand 20-fold and a majority secretes IL-17, but little IFN-gamma. Many of the IL-17-secreting cells also secrete TNF and some secrete IL-2. Tc17 are negative for granzyme B, perforin message, and cytolytic activity, in contrast to Tc1 effectors. Tc17 populations express message for orphan nuclear receptor gammat and FoxP3, but are negative for T-bet and GATA-3 transcription factors. The FoxP3-positive, IL-17-secreting and IFN-gamma-secreting cells represent three separate populations. The IFN-gamma-, granzyme B-, FoxP3-positive cells and cells positive for IL-22 come mainly from memory cells and decrease in number when generated from CD44(low) rather than unselected CD8 T cells. Cells of this unique subset of CD8 effector T cells expand greatly after transfer to naive recipients following challenge and can protect them against lethal influenza infection. Tc17 protection is accompanied by greater neutrophil influx into the lung than in Tc1-injected mice, and the protection afforded by Tc17 effectors is less perforin but more IFN-gamma dependent, implying that different mechanisms are involved.

The mechanism of protection against influenza by transfer of Tc17, an IL-17 secreting CD8 T cell subset. (46.5)

Interleukin (IL) -17 secreting CD4 T (Th)17 and CD8 T (Tc)17 effector cells are found in the lung following primary challenge with influenza A and blocking antibody to IL-17 increases weight loss and reduces survival. Tc17 effectors can be generated in vitro using naïve CD8 T cells from OT-1 T cell receptor (TcR) transgenic mice. T cell numbers expand 20 fold and a majority secretes IL-17, but little IFN-γ. Tc17 effectors are negative for granzyme B, for perforin message and lack cytolytic activity in vitro, in contrast to Tc1 effectors. Many of the Tc17 effectors become IFN-γ/IL-17 double producers after adoptive transfer and kill targets by a Fas dependent, perforin independent, pathway in an in vivo CTL assay. Adoptively transferred Tc17 cells expand greatly after transfer to naïve recipients following challenge and can protect them against lethal influenza infection. Transfer of Tc17 effector cell enhances the infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes to lung after influenza infection and protects against the development of respiratory distress much more effectively than transfer of equivalent numbers of Tc1 effectors. Additional mechansims of protection are being explored.

This work was supported by NIH AI046530 and the Trudeau Institute.

Influenza-specific memory CD4 T cells regulate acute inflammation independent of innate immune recognition (130.10)

It is generally accepted that the flow of immunologically relevant information during the early stages of responses against pathogens is one-way, - that inflammation induced upon pattern recognition by highly conserved receptors of the innate immune dramatically impacts subsequent antigen-specific T and B cell responses. We asked if the reverse occurs, and if cells of the adaptive immune system can influence the character and magnitude of innate inflammatory responses. We show here that resting, antigen-specific memory CD4 T cells can dramatically alter innate inflammatory responses within 36 hours of viral infection in a manner independent of other T cells and TLR signaling. Virus-specific memory CD4 T cells transferred to naïve mice that are then challenged with influenza induce greater expression of multiple inflammatory mediators both at the site of infection and systemically upon cognate recognition of antigen in an IFN-gamma independent fashion. Our results show that the adaptive immune system can profoundly influence the character of inflammation following pathogen challenge, demonstrating a new role for memory CD4 T cells in controlling virus titers during protective immune responses.

IL-10 suppresses influenza-specific Th17 responses and is detrimental during high-dose primary challenge (43.8)

Here we study the expression and influence of IL-10 during murine influenza infection. We find that IL-10 has a minimal impact on the outcome of sub-lethal infection but that IL-10-deficient mice display dramatically increased survival compared to wild-type mice when challenged with lethal doses of virus. Administration of IL-10 receptor blocking antibodies to wild-type mice results in a similar survival advantage. Increased survival in the absence of IL-10 does not correlate with increased cellular responses, or with decreased viral titers but does correlate with improved lung function and increased expression of Th17-associated cytokines during the peak of infection.

Our studies identify highly activated, lung-resident virus-specific CD4 T cell effectors that co-produce IFNγ as the major source of IL-10 during primary influenza infection and we show that autocrine IL-10 production by responding CD4 T cells is critical in dampening influenza-specific Th17 responses.

Finally, we show that transfer of virus-specific Th17-polarized CD4 T cell effectors can protect wild-type, B cell-deficient, and T cell-deficient mice against lethal influenza challenge. We further show that Th17-polarized effectors employ novel mechanisms of protection against influenza distinct from previously established modes of protection employed by Th1-polarized CD4 T cells. Our results thus show that production of IL-10 is detrimental during high-dose primary influenza challenge, and furthermore, suggest an unexpected protective role for virus-specific Th17 CD4 T cell effectors.

Vaccines against pandemic influenza

Vaccination with live attenuated influenza A virus (LAIV) has the potential to provide protection against the more severe consequences of pandemic flu regardless of subtype. This possibility should be explored.

Priming with cold-adapted influenza A does not prevent infection but elicits long-lived protection against supralethal challenge with heterosubtypic virus

We show in this study several novel features of T cell-based heterosubtypic immunity against the influenza A virus in mice. First, T cell-mediated heterosubtypic protection against lethal challenge can be generated by a very low priming dose. Second, it becomes effective within 5-6 days. Third, it provides protection against a very high dose challenge for >70 days. Also novel is the finding that strong, long-lasting, heterosubtypic protection can be elicited by priming with attenuated cold-adapted strains. We demonstrate that priming does not prevent infection of the lungs following challenge, but leads to earlier clearance of the virus and 100% survival after otherwise lethal challenge. Protection is dependent on CD8 T cells, and we show that CD4 and CD8 T cells reactive to conserved epitopes of the core proteins of the challenge virus are present after priming. Our results suggest that intranasal vaccination with cold-adapted, attenuated live virus has the potential to provide effective emergency protection against emerging influenza strains for several months.

IFN-γ Regulates Donor CD8 T Cell Expansion, Migration, and Leads to Apoptosis of Cells of a Solid Tumor

We previously reported that IFN-gamma secreted by donor cytotoxic T cell 1 (Tc1) cells was the most important factor in promoting EG7 (an OVA transfection the EL4 thymoma) rejection in mice. In this study, we show that the ability of the host to respond to Tc1-secreted IFN-gamma is critical for promoting acute tumor rejection, while host production of IFN-gamma is not important. CFSE-labeled wild-type and IFN-gamma-deficient Tc1 cells divide rapidly in secondary lymphoid organs, indicating no defect in rate of cell division. However, wild-type Tc1 cells accumulate to significantly greater numbers in the tumor than deficient Tc1 cells. Hosts injected with wild-type Tc1 effectors had more T cells within the tumor at day 4, had higher levels of MCP-1, IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10, MIP-1alpha, and MIP-1beta mRNA transcripts, had greater numbers of CD11b+ and Gr-1+ cells within the tumor, and had massive regions of tumor cell apoptosis as compared with IFN-gamma knockout Tc1 cell-treated hosts. NO has a cytostatic effect on EG7 growth in vitro, and NO is important for tumor eradication by day 22. These observations are compatible with a model in which the donor CD8 Tc1 effectors expand rapidly in the host, migrate to the tumor site, and induce the secretion of a number of chemokines that in turn recruit host cells that then attack the tumor.

The immune system provides a strong response to even a low exposure to virus

How influenza virus dose affects the size of the immune response has not been clearly documented. Mice were challenged with three doses of influenza virus spanning a 100-fold range. Increasing the viral input dose increased the degree of weight loss observed, the clinical score and eventual mortality. Maximum viral loads increased with viral input and lower doses peaked and declined earlier. The level of the immune response only varied 2-fold and was independent of viral dose with near maximal responses elicited by the lowest dose, as measured by influx of antigen-specific and non-specific leukocytes into the lungs and by influenza antibody titers. We conclude that a strong immune response is mounted to a small dose of virus and curbs the spread of virus early and prevents weight loss whereas larger doses of virus elicit a slightly greater response but the associated disease can overwhelm the host.

Uneven distribution of MHC class II epitopes within the influenza virus

The identification of T cell epitopes is crucial for the understanding of the host immune response during infection. While much is known about the MHC class I-restricted response following influenza virus infection of C57BL/6 mice, with over 16 CD8 epitopes identified to date, less is known about the MHC class II-restricted response. Currently, only a few I-A(b)-restricted T helper epitopes have been identified. Therefore, several important questions remain about how many class II epitopes exist in this system and whether these epitopes are evenly distributed within the most abundant viral proteins. In order to address these questions, we analyzed the repertoire of epitopes that drive the CD4+ approximately 20-30 epitopes drive the CD4 T cell response and that the majority of these peptides are derived from the NP and HA proteins. We were also able to demonstrate that vaccination with one of the newly identified epitopes, HA(211-225)/A(b), resulted in increased epitope-specific T cell numbers and a significant reduction in viral titers following influenza virus challenge.

Immunoglobulins on the surface of thymus-derived cells engaged in the initiation of a humoral immune response

Preculture treatment of normal spleen cells with antiserum against mouse kappa light chains and complement was found to inhibit in vitro responses of these cells to TNP and erythrocyte (carrier) antigens, primarily by elimination of a thymus-derived helper component required for the response. Spleen populations inactivated in this way could be reconstituted with irradiated, carrier-immune spleen cells or with carrier-educated thymus-derived spleen cells. The ability of helper populations (i.e. irradiated, carrier-immune spleen cells or carrier-educated thymus-derived spleen cells) to enhance the response of normal spleen cells to hapten was eliminated by pretreatment of the helper cells with anti-kappa serum and complement. No significant effect of anti-kappa and complement treatment on precursor cell populations in normal spleen or bone-marrow-derived spleen could be demonstrated. The data are interpreted as evidence for the presence of immunoglobulin components. The function of these molecules is not established but it would be reasonable to assume that they are involved in antigen recognition, on the surface of thymus-derived cells.

Regulation of the immune response. I. Differential effect of passively administered antibody on the thymus-derived and bone marrow-derived lymphocytes

The effect of passively transfered antiserum against sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) on the antigen stimulated increase of SRBC-specific plaque-forming cells (anti-SRBC-PFC) and SRBC-specific thymus-derived lymphocytes (SRBC-specific T-cells) in the mouse spleen was examined. A dose of antiserum which severely suppressed the development of anti-SRBC-PFC did not prevent the increase in SRBC-specific T-cells, as measured by their ability to cooperate in the in vitro response to trinitrophenylated (TNP) SRBC. It was shown that the insensitivity of these T-cells to antiserum could not be explained by their low antigen requirement as compared to that of PFC. In the in vivo response of mice to TNP-SRBC, antibody specific for TNP suppressed the appearance of both anti-TNP- and anti-SRBC-PFC. The presence of free SRBC specifically prevented the suppression of the anti-SRBC-PFC. These observations are consistent with opsonization by phagocytic cells as the primary means of the observed suppression of PFC development by antibody.

The rate of the CD8-dependent initial reduction in tumor volume is not limited by contact-dependent perforin, Fas ligand, or TNF-mediated cytolysis

Established EG7 tumors expressing OVA and growing at an intradermal site become rapidly reduced in size following adoptive therapy with in vitro-generated type I CD8 T cell (Tc1) effectors generated from naive CD8 T cells from transgenic TCR OVA-specific mice. Tc1 effectors kill EG7 target cells in vitro by a perforin-dependent mechanism. However, we show that there is no quantitative diminution of the initial phase of antitumor activity in vivo, whether the Tc1 effectors are derived from perforin-, Fas ligand-, or TNF-deficient transgenic TCR mice or whether the recipients are perforin deficient. Tumors are also equally well controlled whether the Tc1 effectors come from mice deficient in perforin plus Fas ligand or perforin plus TNF. Control of tumor growth is diminished when Tc1 effectors generated from IFN-gamma-deficient mice are used. We conclude that control of tumor growth is not in any way affected by loss of contact-mediated lytic mechanisms, and conclude that the CD8 effectors must act by recruiting host effector mechanisms to control tumor growth.

CD8+ T cells responding to influenza infection reach and persist at higher numbers than CD4+ T cells independently of precursor frequency

The activation, localization, phenotypic changes, and function of CFSE-labeled naive influenza-specific CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells following influenza infection were examined. Response of adoptively transferred CD8(+) T cells was seen earliest in draining lymph node. Highly activated cells were found later in the lung, airways, and spleen, were cytolytic, and expressed IFN-gamma upon restimulation. Similar amounts of division at early time points, but higher numbers of CD8(+) T cells, were detected at 9 and 30 days postinfection after cotransfer of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells followed by infection. Transfer of much smaller numbers of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells led to more extensive expansion but the same difference in final number between the two cell types. These studies demonstrate how CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells respond to influenza at early time points postinfection and the differential kinetics of antigen-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells.

T cell responses to influenza virus infection: effector and memory cells

New approaches to visualizing antigen-specific primary responses to influenza and the development of memory subsets in distinct sites suggest that both CD4 and CD8 T cells play complex roles in primary viral clearance and have the potential to contribute to protection from secondary infection.

Mouse T-lymphocyte subpopulations: relationships between function and Lyt antigen phenotype

The study of cell-surface markers has permitted the dissection of lymphocyte populations into subsets and made possible many of the current ideas about how cells interact to produce an immune response. In particular, the Lyt molecules of the mouse, originally described by Boyse and his colleagues, have been of great importance in defining functionally distinct subsets of T cells and examining the interactions among them (reviewed in Ref. 2). A major question raised by these studies concerns the nature of the relationship between Lyt phenotype and the function of the T-cell subset so defined. Are such associations fortuitous, are they indirect manifestations of some other factor(s), or do they indicate that the molecules themselves have a functional role? In this article, Susan Swain and Richard Dutton discuss what is known about Lyt antigens, how their expression correlates with function of T cells and with the recognition of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) subregion antigens by T cells, and what role(s) such molecules may have in T-cell activities.

Cutting Edge: Regulation of CD8+T Cell Effector Population Size

Naive CD8(+) T cells are activated on encounter with Ag presented on dendritic cells and proliferate rapidly. To investigate the regulation of naive CD8(+) T cells proliferation, we adoptively transferred TCR-transgenic CD8(+) T cells into intact mice together with Ag-pulsed dendritic cells. Regardless of the number of cells initially transferred, the expansion of activated Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells was limited to a ceiling of effector cells. This limit was reached from a wide range of T cell doses, including a physiological number of precursor cells, and was not altered by changing the amount of Ag or APCs. The total Ag-specific response was composed of similar numbers of host and donor transgenic cells regardless of donor cell input, suggesting that these populations were independently regulated. Regulation of the transgenic donor cell population was TCR specific. We hypothesize that a clone-specific regulatory mechanism controls the extent of CD8(+) T cell responses to Ag.

Tc1 and Tc2 effector cell therapy elicit long-term tumor immunity by contrasting mechanisms that result in complementary endogenous type 1 antitumor responses

Cytolytic CD8(+) effector cells fall into two subpopulations based on cytokine secretion. Type 1 CD8(+) T cells (Tc1) secrete IFN-gamma, whereas type 2 CD8(+) T cells (Tc2) secrete IL-4 and IL-5. Both effector cell subpopulations display predominantly perforin-dependent cytolysis in vitro. Using an OVA-transfected B16 lung metastases model, we show that adoptively transferred OVA-specific Tc1 and Tc2 cells induce considerable suppression, but not cure, of pulmonary metastases. However, long-term tumor immunity prolonged survival times indefinitely and was evident by resistance to lethal tumor rechallenge. At early stages after therapy, protection by Tc2 and Tc1 effector cells were dependent in part on effector cell-derived IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-gamma, respectively. Whereas effector cell-derived perforin was not necessary. Over time the numbers of both donor cells diminished to low, yet still detectable, levels. Concomitantly, Tc1 and Tc2 effector cell therapies potentiated endogenous recipient-derived antitumor responses by inducing 1) local T cell-derived chemokines associated with type 1-like immune responses; 2) elevated levels of recipient-derived OVA tetramer-positive CD8 memory T cells that were CD44(high), CD122(+), and Ly6C(high) that predominantly produced IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha; and 3) heightened numbers of activated recipient-derived Th1 and Tc1 T cell subpopulations expressing CD25(+), CD69(+), and CD95(+) cell surface activation markers. Moreover, both Tc2 and Tc1 effector cell therapies were dependent in part on recipient-derived IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha for long-term survival and protection. Collectively, Tc1 and Tc2 effector cell immunotherapy mediate long-term tumor immunity by different mechanisms that subsequently potentiate endogenous recipient-derived type 1 antitumor responses.

Type 1 and type 2 tumor infiltrating effector cell subpopulations in progressive breast cancer

Effector T cells fall into two subpopulations based on cytokine-secretion. Type 1 cells secrete IFN-gamma, whereas type 2 cells secrete IL-4, IL-10, and GM-CSF. NKT cells represent a third subpopulation that secretes similar cytokines and have been associated with immunoregulation. Using the TS/A adenocarcinoma, we assessed the phenotype and kinetics of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in mice challenged subcutaneously in the mammary region. Flow cytometric analysis shows that T cells do not infiltrate the primary tumor site until days 7-14 following tumor challenge. Both CD4 and CD8 TILs were predominantly CD44(High) and expressed CD25, CD69, and CD95 cell surface activation markers. Activated CD4/CD44(High) TIL numbers reached peak levels at day 21 that precipitously decreased by day 28 whereas corresponding CD8 cell numbers progressively increased, however, at lower levels and with later kinetics. Intracellular cytokine staining showed that greater numbers of IL-4-producing Th2 cells were elicited and with earlier kinetics than that of IFN-gamma-producing Th1 cells. T cells co-expressing DX5 (CD3(+)/DX5(+)) emerged (>21 days), suggesting a recruitment of NK-like T cells at later stages of tumor progression. Moreover, tumors selectively up-regulated TGF-beta, MIF, and IP-10 gene expression at times as early as day 4, with peak levels at day 7 in vivo. Such gene expression remained elevated and correlated with a continued progression in tumor growth suggesting that preferential effector cell recruitment and production of select factors during different stages of tumor maturation may aid in regulating effective endogenous antitumor responses in progressive breast cancer.

Effector cell-derived lymphotoxin alpha and Fas ligand, but not perforin, promote Tc1 and Tc2 effector cell-mediated tumor therapy in established pulmonary metastases

Cytolytic CD8(+) effector cells fall into two subpopulations based on cytokine secretion. Type 1 CD8(+) T cells (Tc1) secrete IFN-gamma, whereas type 2 CD8(+) T cells (Tc2) secrete interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5. Although both effector cell subpopulations display Fas ligand (FasL) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), tumor lysis is predominantly perforin dependent in vitro. Using an ovalbumin-transfected B16 lung metastasis model, we show that heightened numbers of adoptively transferred ovalbumin-specific Tc1 and Tc2 cells accumulated at the tumor site by day 2 after therapy and induced tumor regression that enhanced survival in mice with pulmonary metastases. Transfer of either TNF-alpha- or perforin-deficient Tc1 or Tc2 effector cells generated from specified gene-deficient mice showed no differences in therapeutic efficiency when compared with corresponding wild-type cells. In contrast, both Tc1 and Tc2 cells, derived from either FasL or TNF-alpha/lymphotoxin (LT) alpha double knockout mice, showed that therapeutic effects were dependent, in part, on effector cell-derived FasL or LTalpha. Six days after effector cell therapy, elevated levels of activated endogenous CD8/CD44(High) and CD4/CD44(High) T cells localized and persisted at sites of tumor growth, whereas donor cell numbers concomitantly decreased. Both Tc1 and Tc2 effector cell subpopulations induced endogenous antitumor responses that were dependent, in part, on recipient-derived IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. However, neither effector cell-mediated therapy was dependent on recipient-derived perforin, IL-4, IL-5, or nitric oxide. Collectively, tumor antigen-specific Tc1 and Tc2 effector cell-mediated therapy is initially dependent, in part, on effector cell-derived FasL or LTalpha that may subsequently potentiate endogenous recipient-derived type 1 antitumor responses dependent on TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma.

Heterogeneity of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells

There is extensive plasticity in the T-cell response to antigen. Helper CD4(+) T cells, cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells, the progression from naïve to effector and memory T cells, and differentiation into Th1, Tc1, Th2 and Tc2 subsets have long been recognized. More recently it has become apparent that T-cell populations display additional diversity in terms of phenotype, anatomical distribution and effector function.

Role of effector cell-derived IL-4, IL-5, and perforin in early and late stages of type 2 CD8 effector cell-mediated tumor rejection

Type 2 CD8 T cells (Tc2) secrete IL-4 and IL-5 and display perforin-dependent cytolysis in vitro. Using an OVA-transfected B16-melanoma model, we show that tumor-reactive Tc2 effector cells accumulated at the tumor site and induced tumor regression that enhanced survival in mice with pulmonary tumors. Transfer of perforin-deficient Tc2 cells generated from perforin gene knockout mice showed no differences in therapeutic efficiency when compared with wild-type Tc2 cells. In contrast, Tc2 cells derived from select cytokine gene-deficient mice showed that therapeutic effects were dependent on effector cell-derived IL-4 and IL-5 that led to a local elevation in lung-derived chemoattractants and accumulation of activated host-derived CD8/CD44(high), CD4/CD44(high), and OVA-specific tetramer-positive CD8 cells in vivo. Host-derived T and non-T immune cells increased in the lung over time and correlated with an elevated production of type 1-related chemokines. Conversely, donor Tc2 cell numbers markedly diminished at later times, suggesting that prolonged therapeutic responses were due to host-derived mechanisms. Moreover, type 1 host responses were detectable with increased levels of IFN-gamma production by lung-derived CD4 and CD8 T cells from surviving Tc2-treated mice. Transfer of Tc2 cells into IFN-gamma-deficient tumor-bearing mice was markedly less effective then into wild-type mice, suggesting that host-derived IFN-gamma-dependent mechanisms play a role in Tc2-mediated antitumor responses.

The Role of Adoptively Transferred CD8 T Cells and Host Cells in the Control of the Growth of the EG7 Thymoma: Factors That Determine the Relative Effectiveness and Homing Properties of Tc1 and Tc2 Effectors

We had previously examined the factors that regulate the response of OVA-specific TCR-transgenic CD8 T cells to the B16 OVA melanoma, growing as lung metastases. We examine here whether the same parameters operate for EG7, growing intradermally. Tc1 or Tc2 CD8 effector cells from OT-1 mice were injected either mixed with the tumor or i.v. at day 0 or 7. Tc2 were one-fifth to one-tenth as effective as Tc1 when injected with the tumor, in controlling tumor growth, but were only 1/20 to 1/100 injected i.v. Tc1 injected i.v. entered the draining lymph nodes faster than Tc2 and caused a faster accumulation of host cells. Both caused an abrupt termination of host cell entry into lymph nodes and spleen after tumor elimination, but this occurred earlier for Tc1 than for Tc2. Host responses were ineffective in the absence of adoptive transfer but were essential after transfer. Perforin expression in the donor cells plays no role in adoptively transferred Tc1 or Tc2 control of the tumor, and neither IL-4 nor IL5 is needed for Tc1 or Tc2 function. Tc1 cells from mice lacking IFN-gamma, however, control tumor growth less well, whereas Tc2 effectors lacking IFN-gamma are unaffected. Tc1 from IFN-gamma-deficient mice attract fewer host cells to the draining lymph node, whereas Tc1 cells from perforin-deficient donors are unimpaired. We conclude that host cell recruitment is a crucial element in adoptive immunotherapy. The differences between the EG7 and the previous B16 melanoma model are discussed.

Activated antigen-specific CD8+ T cells persist in the lungs following recovery from respiratory virus infections

The poor correlation between cellular immunity to respiratory virus infections and the numbers of memory CD8(+) T cells in the secondary lymphoid organs suggests that there may be additional reservoirs of T cell memory to this class of infection. Here we identify a substantial population of Ag-specific T cells in the lung that persist for several months after recovery from an influenza or Sendai virus infection. These cells are present in high numbers in both the airways and lung parenchyma and can be distinguished from memory cell populations in the spleen and peripheral lymph nodes in terms of the relative frequencies among CD8(+) T cells, activation status, and kinetics of persistence. In addition, these cells are functional in terms of their ability to proliferate, express cytolytic activity, and secrete cytokines, although they do not express constitutive cytolytic activity. Adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated that the long-term establishment of activated T cells in the lung did not require infection in the lung by a pathogen carrying the inducing Ag. The kinetics of persistence of Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells in the lung suggests that they play a key role in protective cellular immunity to respiratory virus infections.

Production of interferon-gamma by influenza hemagglutinin-specific CD8 effector T cells influences the development of pulmonary immunopathology

This study examined the inflammation, lung function impairment, and immune protection associated with either wild-type or interferon (IFN)-gamma-deficient Tc1- or Tc2-CD8 effector cells responding to influenza pneumonia. The adoptive transfer of influenza hemagglutinin-specific Tc1 effectors afforded protection and elicited only minimal impairment of lung function. IFN-gamma-deficient Tc1 effector cells were equally protective, but were associated with an eosinophil influx and slightly more lung function impairment early in the response. Relative to Tc1, Tc2 effector cells were less protective, elicited an eosinophil influx and a greater impairment of lung functions. IFN-gamma-deficient Tc2 effector cells were not protective and were associated with the severest impairment of lung function throughout the response, an accumulation of neutrophils, and extensive pulmonary vasculitis and alveolar hemorrhaging. Deletion of IFN-gamma was associated with a delay in effector cell recruitment and the elicitation of a more intense inflammatory response that resulted in more severe lung function impairment in the recipients of either Tc1 or Tc2 IFN-gamma-deficient effector cells. Thus, during influenza infections, IFN-gamma production by the responding CD8 T cells is associated with effector cell recruitment and mitigation of the associated inflammation and of the resulting impairment in lung functions but is not necessary for optimal protection.

Immunopotentiating role of IFN-gamma in early and late stages of type 1 CD8 effector cell-mediated tumor rejection

Type 1 cytolytic CD8 effector T cells (Tc1) characteristically secrete IFN-gamma. Using an OVA-transfected B16 melanoma lung tumor model, we show that OVA Ag-specific Tc1 cells mediate a reduction in tumor growth that significantly prolongs survival in tumor-bearing mice. Transfer of Tc1 cells from OT-I mice crossed to IFN-gamma-KO mice showed that IFN-gamma-deficient Tc1 effector cells were less therapeutically effective than corresponding cells from wildtype mice. Therapeutic effects were dependent, in part, on effector cell-derived IFN-gamma, which not only induced elevated levels of lung-derived IP-10 and RANTES chemokine message in vivo, but also increased the local accumulation of activated host-derived CD4(+)/CD44(High), CD8(+)/CD44(High), and non-T-immune cell populations at the tumor site. Over time, the numbers of host-derived immune cells increased in the lung, which correlated with an elevated production of IP-10 and RANTES and a continued reduction in tumor burden. Conversely, donor Tc1 cell numbers markedly diminished at corresponding times, suggesting that prolonged therapeutic responses were due to the presence of host-derived antitumor mechanisms. Moreover, adoptive transfer of IFN-gamma-deficient Tc1 cells into tumor-bearing IFN-gamma-KO recipients showed that both recipient and donor-derived IFN-gamma play a significant role in Tc1-mediated responses and that Tc1 effector cell immunotherapy is predominantly mediated by IFN-gamma-dependent mechanisms.

The effects of prolonged administration of 5-bromodeoxyuridine on cells of the immune system

We have determined the in vivo effect of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) administered to mice in the drinking water for various lengths of time on the performance of T and B lymphocytes in a number of experimental protocols. Young mice continuously exposed to BrdU fail to gain weight, and the lymphocytes recovered after a prolonged period of exposure are fewer in number than in control mice. The recovery of normal levels of T and B lymphocytes after irradiation is severely impaired. Ag-specific cells responding to Ag in an adoptive transfer model fail to expand as much in the presence of BrdU as in the absence, and the Ag-specific effectors produced in the presence of BrdU are less able to secrete cytokines upon restimulation in vitro. Polarized populations of Tc1 and Tc2 effectors generated in vitro proliferate less in the presence of BrdU, and the resulting effectors make less cytokines per cell upon restimulation. Thus, the incorporation of BrdU into T or B lymphocytes can, under some circumstances, seriously impair the performance of the labeled cells, and these findings raise a note of caution in the interpretation of studies that make use of long-term exposure to BrdU.

Type 1 and type 2 CD8+ effector T cell subpopulations promote long-term tumor immunity and protection to progressively growing tumor

Cytolytic CD8+ effector cells fall into two subpopulations based on cytokine secretion. Type 1 CD8+ T cells (Tc1) secrete IFN-gamma, whereas type 2 CD8+ T cells (Tc2) secrete IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10. Using an OVA-transfected B16 lung metastases model, we assessed the therapeutic effects of adoptively transferred OVA-specific Tc1 and Tc2 subpopulations in mice bearing established pulmonary malignancy. Effector cell-treated mice exhibiting high (5 x 105) tumor burdens experienced significant (p < 0.05) delays in mortality compared with those of untreated control mice, whereas high proportions (70-90%) of mice receiving therapy with low (1 x 105) tumor burdens survived indefinitely. Long-term tumor immunity was evident by resistance to lethal tumor rechallenge, heightened levels of systemic OVA Ag-specific CTL responses ex vivo, and detection of long-lived TCR transgene-positive donor cells accompanied by an elevation in the total numbers of CD8+ CD44high activated and/or memory T cells at sites of tumor growth. Long-lasting protection by Tc2 and Tc1 effector cells were dependent, in part, on both the level of tumor burden and effector cell-derived IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-gamma, respectively. We conclude that Tc1 and Tc2 effector cells provide immunity by different mechanisms that subsequently potentiate host-derived antitumor responses.

Naive, effector, and memory CD8 T cells in protection against pulmonary influenza virus infection: homing properties rather than initial frequencies are crucial

The goal of adoptive immunotherapy is to target a high number of persisting effector cells to the site of a virus infection or tumor. In this study, we compared the protective value of hemagglutinin peptide-specific CD8 T cells generated from the clone-4 TCR-transgenic mice, defined by different stages of their differentiation, against lethal pulmonary influenza infection. We show that the adoptive transfer of high numbers of Ag-specific unprimed, naive CD8 T cells failed to clear the pulmonary virus titer and to promote host survival. The same numbers of in vitro generated primary Ag-specific Tc1 effector cells, producing high amounts of IFN-gamma, or resting Tc1 memory cells, generated from these effectors, were protective. Highly activated CD62Llow Tc1 effectors accumulated in the lung with rapid kinetics and most efficiently reduced the pulmonary viral titer early during infection. The resting CD62Lhigh naive and memory populations first increased in cell numbers in the draining lymph nodes. Subsequently, memory cells accumulated more rapidly and to a greater extent in the lung lavage as compared with naive cells. Thus, effector cells are most effective against a localized virus infection, which correlates with their ability to rapidly distribute at the infected tissue site. The finding that similar numbers of naive Ag-specific CD8 T cells are not protective supports the view that qualitative differences between the two resting populations, the naive and the memory population, may play a major role in their protective value against disease.

Naive, Effector, and Memory CD8 T Cells in Protection Against Pulmonary Influenza Virus Infection: Homing Properties Rather Than Initial Frequencies Are Crucial

The goal of adoptive immunotherapy is to target a high number of persisting effector cells to the site of a virus infection or tumor. In this study, we compared the protective value of hemagglutinin peptide-specific CD8 T cells generated from the clone-4 TCR-transgenic mice, defined by different stages of their differentiation, against lethal pulmonary influenza infection. We show that the adoptive transfer of high numbers of Ag-specific unprimed, naive CD8 T cells failed to clear the pulmonary virus titer and to promote host survival. The same numbers of in vitro generated primary Ag-specific Tc1 effector cells, producing high amounts of IFN-γ, or resting Tc1 memory cells, generated from these effectors, were protective. Highly activated CD62Llow Tc1 effectors accumulated in the lung with rapid kinetics and most efficiently reduced the pulmonary viral titer early during infection. The resting CD62Lhigh naive and memory populations first increased in cell numbers in the draining lymph nodes. Subsequently, memory cells accumulated more rapidly and to a greater extent in the lung lavage as compared with naive cells. Thus, effector cells are most effective against a localized virus infection, which correlates with their ability to rapidly distribute at the infected tissue site. The finding that similar numbers of naive Ag-specific CD8 T cells are not protective supports the view that qualitative differences between the two resting populations, the naive and the memory population, may play a major role in their protective value against disease.

CD28, IL-2-Independent Costimulatory Pathways for CD8 T Lymphocyte Activation

We investigate, here, the mechanism of the costimulatory signals for CD8 T cell activation and confirm that costimulation signals via CD28 do not appear to be required to initiate proliferation, but provide survival signals for CD8 T cells activated by TCR ligation. We show also that IL-6 and TNF-α can provide alternative costimulatory survival signals. IL-6 and TNF-α costimulate naive CD8 T cells cultured on plate-bound anti-CD3 in the absence of CD28 ligation. They act directly on sorted CD8-positive T cells. They also costimulate naive CD8 T cells from Rag-2-deficient mice, bearing transgenic TCRs for HY, which lack memory cells, a potential source of IL-2 secretion upon activation. IL-6 and TNF-α provide costimulation to naive CD8 T cells from CD28, IL-2, or IL-2Rα-deficient mice, and thus function in the absence of the B7-CD28 and IL-2 costimulatory pathways. The CD8 T cell generated via the anti-CD3 plus IL-6 and TNF-α pathway have effector function in that they express strong cytolytic activity on Ag-specific targets. They secrete only very small amounts of any of the cytokines tested upon restimulation with peptide-loaded APC. The ability of the naive CD8 T cells to respond to TCR ligation and costimulatory signals from IL-6 and TNF-α provides a novel pathway that can substitute for signals from CD4 helper cells or professional APC. This may be significant in the response to viral Ags, which can be potentially expressed on the surface of any class I MHC-expressing cell.

CD28, IL-2-independent costimulatory pathways for CD8 T lymphocyte activation

We investigate, here, the mechanism of the costimulatory signals for CD8 T cell activation and confirm that costimulation signals via CD28 do not appear to be required to initiate proliferation, but provide survival signals for CD8 T cells activated by TCR ligation. We show also that IL-6 and TNF-alpha can provide alternative costimulatory survival signals. IL-6 and TNF-alpha costimulate naive CD8 T cells cultured on plate-bound anti-CD3 in the absence of CD28 ligation. They act directly on sorted CD8-positive T cells. They also costimulate naive CD8 T cells from Rag-2-deficient mice, bearing transgenic TCRs for HY, which lack memory cells, a potential source of IL-2 secretion upon activation. IL-6 and TNF-alpha provide costimulation to naive CD8 T cells from CD28, IL-2, or IL-2Ralpha-deficient mice, and thus function in the absence of the B7-CD28 and IL-2 costimulatory pathways. The CD8 T cell generated via the anti-CD3 plus IL-6 and TNF-alpha pathway have effector function in that they express strong cytolytic activity on Ag-specific targets. They secrete only very small amounts of any of the cytokines tested upon restimulation with peptide-loaded APC. The ability of the naive CD8 T cells to respond to TCR ligation and costimulatory signals from IL-6 and TNF-alpha provides a novel pathway that can substitute for signals from CD4 helper cells or professional APC. This may be significant in the response to viral Ags, which can be potentially expressed on the surface of any class I MHC-expressing cell.

Therapeutic Effects of Tumor-Reactive Type 1 and Type 2 CD8+ T Cell Subpopulations in Established Pulmonary Metastases

Cytolytic CD8+ T cells fall into two subpopulations based on cytokine-secretion. Type 1 CD8+ cells (Tc1) characteristically secrete IFN-γ, whereas type 2 CD8+ cells (Tc2) secrete IL-4 and IL-5. We assessed the relative therapeutic effects of adoptively transferred OVA-specific Tc1 and Tc2 CD8+ cells in mice bearing established OVA-transfected B16 melanoma lung metastases. Both Tc1 and Tc2 subpopulations mediated a reduction in lung tumor growth that subsequently prolonged survival times in mice with both early (day 7) and more advanced (day 14) levels of tumor development. CD8+ T cell populations recovered from spleens of tumor-bearing mice receiving Tc1 or Tc2 cells showed markedly enhanced tumor Ag-specific cytolytic and cytokine-releasing activities that correlated with delays in tumor cell growth and progression. Initially, both tumor-reactive Tc1 and Tc2 effector cells accumulated at the tumor site with nearly equal frequency. Tc1 cells persisted, whereas Tc2 cell numbers progressively diminished over time. Titration of Tc1 and Tc2 effector cells showed that protection was dose dependent with the former being 5-fold more effective. Tc2 cells achieved a comparable reduction in lung tumor cell growth at higher concentrations of cell transfer. Tc1 effectors from IFN-γ-deficient mice were less therapeutically effective than wild-type mice, but there was no significant reduction in activity between corresponding Tc2 populations. We speculate that the effectiveness of Tc1 and Tc2 cells may depend on different mechanisms. These studies suggest a potential role for Tc1 and Tc2 CD8+ subpopulations in tumor regression and immunotherapy.

Therapeutic effects of tumor-reactive type 1 and type 2 CD8+ T cell subpopulations in established pulmonary metastases

Cytolytic CD8+ T cells fall into two subpopulations based on cytokine-secretion. Type 1 CD8+ cells (Tc1) characteristically secrete IFN-gamma, whereas type 2 CD8+ cells (Tc2) secrete IL-4 and IL-5. We assessed the relative therapeutic effects of adoptively transferred OVA-specific Tc1 and Tc2 CD8+ cells in mice bearing established OVA-transfected B16 melanoma lung metastases. Both Tc1 and Tc2 subpopulations mediated a reduction in lung tumor growth that subsequently prolonged survival times in mice with both early (day 7) and more advanced (day 14) levels of tumor development. CD8+ T cell populations recovered from spleens of tumor-bearing mice receiving Tc1 or Tc2 cells showed markedly enhanced tumor Ag-specific cytolytic and cytokine-releasing activities that correlated with delays in tumor cell growth and progression. Initially, both tumor-reactive Tc1 and Tc2 effector cells accumulated at the tumor site with nearly equal frequency. Tc1 cells persisted, whereas Tc2 cell numbers progressively diminished over time. Titration of Tc1 and Tc2 effector cells showed that protection was dose dependent with the former being 5-fold more effective. Tc2 cells achieved a comparable reduction in lung tumor cell growth at higher concentrations of cell transfer. Tc1 effectors from IFN-gamma-deficient mice were less therapeutically effective than wild-type mice, but there was no significant reduction in activity between corresponding Tc2 populations. We speculate that the effectiveness of Tc1 and Tc2 cells may depend on different mechanisms. These studies suggest a potential role for Tc1 and Tc2 CD8+ subpopulations in tumor regression and immunotherapy.

Migration kinetics and final destination of type 1 and type 2 CD8 effector cells predict protection against pulmonary virus infection

The requirements for CD8 T cells to provide protection against a localized virus infection in models of adoptive immunotherapy are not well defined. Here we investigated the protective value of defined in vitro-generated hemagglutinin (HA) peptide-specific primary CD8 T cell effectors from the clone 4 T cell receptor transgenic mice, secreting type 1 or type 2 cytokines, against pulmonary infection with whole influenza virus. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes producing type 1 and type 2 cytokine (Tc1 and Tc2) populations were equally cytolytic, but Tc1 effectors and not Tc2 effectors reduced the pulmonary virus titer early during infection. Host recovery mediated by Tc1 effectors was found to be independent of interferon gamma production. Tc2 effectors entered the lung with delayed kinetics as compared with Tc1 effectors, and after lung entry Tc2 effector cells did not localize near the infected airway epithelium as did Tc1 effectors but were found within clusters of inflammatory cells distant from the epithelium. We also show that the expression of several chemokine receptors was selectively regulated in the Tc1 and Tc2 subsets. Thus, the protective value of a CD8 cell population against pulmonary influenza virus infection is strongly correlated with its ability to exert its effector potential at the site of virus infection.