TGF-b promotes stem-like T cells via enforcing their lymphoid tissue retention
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ABSTRACT: Stem-like CD8+ T cells sustain the antigen-specific CD8+ T cell response during chronic antigen exposure. However, the signals that control the maintenance and differentiation of these cells are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that TGF-b was essential for the optimal maintenance of these cells and inhibited their differentiation into migratory effectors during chronic viral infection. Mechanistically, stem-like CD8+ T cells carried a unique expression pattern of a4 integrins (i.e., a4b1hi and a4b7lo) controlled by TGF-b. In the absence of TGF-b signaling, greatly enhanced expression of migration-related markers, including altered expression of a4 integrins led to enhanced egress of stem-like CD8+ T cells into the circulation accompanied by further differentiation into transitional states. Blocking a4 integrin significantly promoted their lymphoid tissue retention and therefore partially rescued the defective maintenance of Tcf-1+ subset in the absence of TGF-b signaling. Thus, TGF-b promotes the maintenance and inhibits the further differentiation of stem-like T cells at least partially via enforcing their lymphoid tissue residency.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE206646 | GEO | 2022/06/25
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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