Differentiation and characteristics of Helios+ CD8+ T cells

About This Grant

Summary Regulation of immune responses is critical to provide beneficial immunity against pathogens and cancer, while avoiding autoimmune diseases and immunopathology. A population of memory-phenotype CD8+ T cells, expressing the transcription factor Helios” has been proposed to play a key role in preventing excessive and autoimmune responses following vaccination or infection. However, the precise identity of these Helios+ “regulatory” CD8+ T cells, the factors controlling their differentiation and maintenance, and the exact ways in which they contribute to immune homeostasis are highly controversial. In this exploratory proposal, we develop model systems intended to dissect the development, homeostasis and specificity of these CD8+ T cells, position ourselves for future studies on the physiological role and therapeutic potential of Helios+ CD8+ T cells.