Control of Homeostasis of CD8+ Memory T Cells by Opposing Cytokines

CC Ku, M Murakami, A Sakamoto, J Kappler, P Marrack - Science, 2000 - science.org
CC Ku, M Murakami, A Sakamoto, J Kappler, P Marrack
Science, 2000science.org
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.
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.
AAAS