Study Published in Science Immunology that uses Newly-Developed Mouse Model
Dr. Tessa Bergsbaken, Assistant Professor in Center for Immunity and Inflammation and Department of Pathology, Immunology & Laboratory Medicine, and colleagues published a study in the November 2022 issue of Science Immunology that uses a newly developed mouse model to understand the unique functions of tissue-resident memory T cell subsets. Tissue-resident memory T (Trm) cells are lodged within barrier surfaces and are critical for preventing infection with pathogens that invade these tissues. Dr. Helen Fung, the first author on this paper, found that a small subset of CD103– Trm cells were the primary responders to secondary infection. CD103– Trm cells expanded within the tissue and displayed enhanced TCR-mediated reactivation and cytokine production compared to their CD103+ counterparts. These studies reveal the limited recall potential of CD103+ Trm subsets and the role of CD103– Trm cells as central memory-like T cells within peripheral tissues. Ultimately, these studies suggest that vaccines that lead to the generation of CD103– Trm cells within barrier surfaces could have enhanced efficacy. The findings were highlighted in an article in Rutgers Today.
