Memory T Lymphocytes Generated by Mycobacterium bovis BCG Vaccination Reside within a CD4 CD44 lo CD62 Ligand hi Population

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the lungs of mice vaccinated with Mycobacterium bovis BCG, there was an accumulation of CD4 cells expressing the activated effector phenotype CD44 hi CD62 ligand lo (CD62L lo ) which were capable of secreting gamma interferon. Upon cell transfer, however, cells expressing a resting/naïve phenotype (CD44 lo CD62L hi ) were capable of protecting the recipients from a virulent challenge infection, suggesting the emergence of T-cell memory from within this subset.