Developmentally distinct CD4⁺T_reglineages shape the CD8⁺T cell response to acute<i>Listeria</i>infection

Abstract

SignificanceThe CD4⁺ T_reg response following acute <i>Listeria</i> infection 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 T_reg lineages. These findings make a significant contribution to our understanding of the functional plasticity inherent within T_reg_s, 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.