Control of homeostasis of CD8+ memory T cells by opposing cytokines

Science. 2000 Apr 28;288(5466):675-8. doi: 10.1126/science.288.5466.675.

Abstract

Memory T cells maintain their numbers for long periods after antigen exposure. Here we show that CD8+ T cells of memory phenotype divide slowly in animals. This division requires interleukin-15 and is markedly increased by inhibition of interleukin-2 (IL-2). Therefore, the numbers of CD8+ memory T cells in animals are controlled by a balance between IL-15 and IL-2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / transplantation
  • Cell Death
  • Cell Division
  • Homeostasis
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / analysis
  • Immunologic Memory*
  • Interleukin-15 / immunology
  • Interleukin-15 / physiology*
  • Interleukin-2 / immunology
  • Interleukin-2 / physiology*
  • Interleukin-7 / immunology
  • Interleukin-7 / physiology
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Interleukin-15
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / analysis
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / immunology
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7 / immunology
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7 / physiology
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Il15ra protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-15
  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-7
  • Receptors, Interleukin-15
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7