Normalizing pathogen exposure via pet shop mouse cohousing leads to preferential maintenance of long-lived effector memory CD8 T cells

Abstract Studies of the CD8 T cell memory compartment in mice have primarily been done young maintained specific pathogen free (SPF) environment. The murine is skewed towards central cells, whereas adult human cells are dominated by effector cells. akin to that neonate humans, suggesting there factors missing SPF required mature compartment. We wanted ask how exposure changes mice, so we utilized a model pet shop mouse co-housing (COH), which exposes wide variety normal pathogens. COH display substantial increase long-lived (LLEC). LLEC population described Hamilton Lab phenotypically more effector-like and highly effective at clearing systemic infections when compared other However, reduced homeostatic antigen-driven proliferation leading lower representation pool. support expansion persistence currently unknown, it also unclear if impacts function. Thus, goal this study understand what intrinsic environmental contribute formation maintenance, as well determine function contributes responses mice. I found polyfunctional LLEC, my preliminary work has turnover increased Future studies will inflammatory cues lead expansion, process can be altered improve infection vaccination. Supported grants from NIH (R01 AI155468)