T cell metabolism. The protein LEM promotes CD8⁺ T cell immunity through effects on mitochondrial respiration.
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Volume
348
Pagination
995 - 1001
DOI
10.1126/science.aaa7516
Journal
Science
Issue
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Protective CD8(+) T cell-mediated immunity requires a massive expansion in cell number and the development of long-lived memory cells. Using forward genetics in mice, we identified an orphan protein named lymphocyte expansion molecule (LEM) that promoted antigen-dependent CD8(+) T cell proliferation, effector function, and memory cell generation in response to infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Generation of LEM-deficient mice confirmed these results. Through interaction with CR6 interacting factor (CRIF1), LEM controlled the levels of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes and respiration, resulting in the production of pro-proliferative mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS). LEM provides a link between immune activation and the expansion of protective CD8(+) T cells driven by OXPHOS and represents a pathway for the restoration of long-term protective immunity based on metabolically modified cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells.
Authors
Okoye, I; Wang, L; Pallmer, K; Richter, K; Ichimura, T; Haas, R; Crouse, J; Choi, O; Heathcote, D; Lovo, ECollections
- Centre for Endocrinology [548]