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Splenectomy Alters Distribution and Turnover but not Numbers or Protective Capacity of de novo Generated Memory CD8 T-Cells
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Splenectomy Alters Distribution and Turnover but not Numbers or Protective Capacity of de novo Generated Memory CD8 T-Cells

Marie T Kim and John T Harty
Frontiers in immunology, Vol.5, pp.1-7
2014
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00568
PMID: 25414706
url
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2014.00568View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

The spleen is a highly compartmentalized lymphoid organ that allows for efficient antigen presentation and activation of immune responses. Additionally, the spleen itself functions to remove senescent red blood cells, filter bacteria, and sequester platelets. Splenectomy, commonly performed after blunt force trauma or splenomegaly, has been shown to increase risk of certain bacterial and parasitic infections years after removal of the spleen. Although previous studies report defects in memory B-cells and IgM titers in splenectomized patients, the effect of splenectomy on CD8 T-cell responses and memory CD8 T-cell function remains ill defined. Using TCR-transgenic P14 cells, we demonstrate that homeostatic proliferation and representation of pathogen-specific memory CD8 T-cells in the blood are enhanced in splenectomized compared to sham surgery mice. Surprisingly, despite the enhanced turnover, splx mice displayed no changes in total memory CD8 T-cell numbers nor impaired protection against lethal dose challenge with Listeria monocytogenes . Thus, our data suggest that memory CD8 T-cell maintenance and function remain intact in the absence of the spleen.
 Immunology memory CD8 T-cells splenectomy homeostatic proliferation

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