Strength of CD28 costimulation directs self-renewal or differentiation of TCF-1+ PD-1+ CD8 T cells through metabolic regulation
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ABSTRACT: During persistent antigen stimulation, such as in chronic infections and cancer, T cells differentiate into a hypofunctional exhausted state to survive. Exhausted PD-1+ CD8 T cell responses are sustained by TCF-1+ precursors (Tpex) that self-renew or differentiate into exhausted T cells (Tex) that retain some effector function. Tpex have high expression of the costimulatory molecule CD28 and are the cells that respond to PD-1 targeted immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrate that abrogation of CD28 signaling impairs maintenance of anti-viral T cell responses during chronic infection. Low-level CD28 signaling was required to preserve mitochondrial fitness and self-renewal of Tpex, whereas stronger CD28 signaling enhanced glycolysis and promoted Tpex differentiation. Our findings show that CD28 signaling is essential for long-term maintenance of antigen-specific T cells during chronic stimulation, and suggest that the activation status of antigen presenting cells determines Tpex differentiation into more functional effector-like Tex cells.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE200506 | GEO | 2023/07/01
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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