engleski

NKG2D-Signaling Promotes CD8 Memory T Cell Formation

NKG2D is an activating receptor which potentiates effector function of cytotoxic cells. On CD8 T cells its expression is induced after activation, but long before target tissues are encountered. Its role early after T cell activation is currently unknown. Here we show that upon viral infection, NKG2D does not only enhance cytotoxicity of effector cells, but also mediates memory CD8 T cell formation. In vivo, NKG2D requires Dap10 to promote memory cell differentiation in a process that involves IL-15. Using a new in vitro model, we show that NKG2D potentiates IL-15 mediated Pi3K signaling and promotes memory cell differentiation. In this system, ablation of NKG2D was accompanied by enhanced T-bet expression, effector cell differentiation and reduced survival. Our findings show a novel role for the IL-15/NKG2D axis in memory cell formation and provide new insights how these receptors may control both cytotoxicity and T cell differentiation.

NKG2D; memory CD8 T cells; MCMV; LCMV; OVA

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