Cytokine control of memory T-cell development and survival

KS Schluns, L Lefrançois - Nature Reviews Immunology, 2003 - nature.com
KS Schluns, L Lefrançois
Nature Reviews Immunology, 2003nature.com
Evidence has accumulated that cytokines have a fundamental role in the differentiation of
memory T cells. Here, we follow the CD8+ T cell from initial activation to memory-cell
generation, indicating the checkpoints at which cytokines determine the fate of the T cell.
Members of the common cytokine-receptor γ-chain (γc)-cytokine family—in particular,
interleukin-7 (IL-7) and IL-15—act at each stage of the immune response to promote
proliferation and survival. In this manner, a stable and protective, long-lived memory CD8+ T …
Abstract
Evidence has accumulated that cytokines have a fundamental role in the differentiation of memory T cells. Here, we follow the CD8+ T cell from initial activation to memory-cell generation, indicating the checkpoints at which cytokines determine the fate of the T cell. Members of the common cytokine-receptor γ-chain (γc)-cytokine family — in particular, interleukin-7 (IL-7) and IL-15 — act at each stage of the immune response to promote proliferation and survival. In this manner, a stable and protective, long-lived memory CD8+ T-cell pool can be propagated and maintained.
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