Tissue-resident CD4+ T helper cells assist the development of protective respiratory B and CD8+ T cell memory responses

YM Son, IS Cheon, Y Wu, C Li, Z Wang, X Gao… - Science …, 2021 - science.org
YM Son, IS Cheon, Y Wu, C Li, Z Wang, X Gao, Y Chen, Y Takahashi, YX Fu, AL Dent…
Science immunology, 2021science.org
Much remains unknown about the roles of CD4+ T helper cells in shaping localized memory
B cell and CD8+ T cell immunity in the mucosal tissues. Here, we report that lung T helper
cells provide local assistance for the optimal development of tissue-resident memory B and
CD8+ T cells after the resolution of primary influenza virus infection. We have identified a
population of T cells in the lung that exhibit characteristics of both follicular T helper and
TRM cells, and we have termed these cells as resident helper T (TRH) cells. Optimal TRH …
Much remains unknown about the roles of CD4+ T helper cells in shaping localized memory B cell and CD8+ T cell immunity in the mucosal tissues. Here, we report that lung T helper cells provide local assistance for the optimal development of tissue-resident memory B and CD8+ T cells after the resolution of primary influenza virus infection. We have identified a population of T cells in the lung that exhibit characteristics of both follicular T helper and TRM cells, and we have termed these cells as resident helper T (TRH) cells. Optimal TRH cell formation was dependent on transcription factors involved in T follicular helper and resident memory T cell development including BCL6 and Bhlhe40. We show that TRH cells deliver local help to CD8+ T cells through IL-21–dependent mechanisms. Our data have uncovered the presence of a tissue-resident helper T cell population in the lung that plays a critical role in promoting the development of protective B cell and CD8+ T cell responses.
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