TCR signals control T cell fate

Jeremy Snook, a graduate student in the Williams lab, has recently published an article in Science Immunology that explores the impact of TCR signal strength on the development of CD4+ T effector and memory of T cells. This work sheds important light on the mechanisms that promote diverse T cell functions during their response to viral and bacterial infections. The editorial summary states:

"T cell differentiation into effector and memory T cell subsets is influenced by T cell receptor (TCR) signals. Snook et al. examine how TCR signals influence CD4+ T cell differentiation using a panel of cloned TCRs that recognize the same MHC II–restricted epitope of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Strong TCR signals were associated with TH1 differentiation, whereas lower TCR signal strength corresponded with follicular helper T cell and memory T cell differentiation. Low CD25 expression by early effector T cells also predicted memory differentiation, although CD25 expression levels were not predictive of recall responses. Enhanced TCR signaling via knockdown of SHP-1 favored TH1 over Tfh and memory T cell differentiation. These results indicated that stronger TCR signaling promotes terminal effector TH1 differentiation.”

http://immunology.sciencemag.org/content/3/25/eaas9103.editor-summary

Congratulations to Drs. Snook, Kim and Williams!