Developmentally distinct CD4+Treglineages shape the CD8+T cell response to acuteListeriainfection

Abstract

SignificanceThe CD4+Tregresponse following acuteListeriainfection is heterogeneous and deploys two distinct modes of suppression coinciding with initial pathogen exposure and resolution of infection. This bimodal suppression of CD8+T cells during priming and contraction is mediated by separate Treglineages. These findings make a significant contribution to our understanding of the functional plasticity inherent within Tregs, which allows these cells to serve as a sensitive and dynamic cellular rheostat for the immune system to prevent autoimmune pathology in the face of inflammation attendant to acute infection, enable expansion of the pathogen-specific response needed to control the infection, and reestablish immune homeostasis after the threat has been contained.