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 gamma-chain (gammac)-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.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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Cell Differentiation / immunology
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Cell Survival / immunology
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Cytokines / genetics
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Cytokines / physiology*
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Gene Expression
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Humans
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Immunologic Memory*
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Interleukin-15 / physiology
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Interleukin-2 / physiology
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Interleukin-7 / physiology
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Lymphocyte Activation
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Models, Immunological
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Receptors, Cytokine / genetics
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Receptors, Cytokine / physiology
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Receptors, Interleukin-15
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Receptors, Interleukin-2 / physiology
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Receptors, Interleukin-7 / physiology
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T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
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T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
Substances
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Antigens
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Cytokines
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IL15RA protein, human
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Interleukin-15
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Interleukin-2
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Interleukin-7
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Receptors, Cytokine
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Receptors, Interleukin-15
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Receptors, Interleukin-2
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Receptors, Interleukin-7