Cytotoxic T-cell memory without antigen - PubMed (original) (raw)

. 1994 Jun 23;369(6482):648-52.

doi: 10.1038/369648a0.

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Cytotoxic T-cell memory without antigen

L L Lau et al. Nature. 1994.

Abstract

Memory is a hallmark of the immune system and ever since its recognition there has been considerable interest in understanding how immunity is maintained. The current model is that long-term memory is dependent on persistent antigenic stimulation. We report here results that challenge this view and provide evidence that antigen is not essential for the maintenance of CD8+ T-cell memory. We show that memory CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes persist indefinitely in the absence of priming antigen, retain the memory phenotype (CD44hi), and provide protection against virus challenge. These findings suggest a re-evaluation of our current thinking on mechanisms involved in maintaining immunity and have implications towards designing effective vaccination strategies.

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