Cellular and Molecular Basis of Immunological Memory

Immunological memory is the ability of lymphocytes to respond faster and more strongly to reencounter of the same antigen. It is a central feature of the adaptive immunity and is the basis of vaccination. However, little is known about the differentiation, maintenance, reactivation, and function of memory T cells. We have shown that as naïve CD8 T cells undergo proliferation in lymphopenic mice in the absence of overt antigenic stimulation, they progressively acquire phenotypic and functional characteristics of antigen-induced memory CD8 T cells. We have also developed mouse models in which CD8 T cell response to influenza virus infection can be studied at any time and in any anatomical location. Using this model, we have identified factors that promote the development and maintenance of central versus effector memory T cells. In the long-term, we are interested in elucidating the molecular pathways of memory CD8 T cell development and identifying conditions for the optimal induction and maintenance of CD8 memory T cells for vaccination.