Heim et al. studied the formation of lymph node-resident memory T cells (LN TRMs) following a vaccinia virus skin infection, and found that LN TRMs localized in the draining lymph nodes (dLNs) of infected skin. Mice lacking dermal lymphatic vessels showed almost no LN TRMs, highlighting the necessity of lymphatic transport. The formation of LN TRMs required the egress of effector CD8+ T cells – transcriptionally poised for tissue residence – through lymphatic vessels, and their encounter with antigens. LN TRMs provided antigen-specific protection against viral rechallenge, even in the absence of circulating memory T cells.
Contributed by Shishir Pant
ABSTRACT: Lymphatic transport shapes the homeostatic immune repertoire of lymph nodes (LNs). LN-resident memory T cells (T(RMs)) play an important role in site-specific immune memory, yet how LN T(RMs) form de novo after viral infection remains unclear. Here, we tracked the anatomical distribution of antiviral CD8(+) T cells as they seeded skin and LN T(RMs) using a model of vaccinia virus-induced skin infection. LN T(RMs) localized to the draining LNs (dLNs) of infected skin, and their formation depended on the lymphatic egress of effector CD8(+) T cells from the skin, already poised for residence. Effector CD8(+) T cell transit through skin was required to populate LN T(RMs) in dLNs, a process reinforced by antigen encounter in skin. Furthermore, LN T(RMs) were protective against viral rechallenge in the absence of circulating memory T cells. These data suggest that a subset of tissue-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells egress from tissues during viral clearance and establish a layer of regional protection in the dLN basin.
Author Info: (1) Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. (2) Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medic
Author Info: (1) Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. (2) Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. (3) Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. (4) Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. (5) Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA. (6) Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. (7) Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
