Role of CD73 and adenosine signaling for the maintenance and quiescence of CD8 memory T cells (A14)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 335447717

Human CD8 memory T cells expressing high levels of CD73 are specialized subsets with transcriptional signatures associated with longevity, tissue residency and intestinal homing. We hypothesize that CD73 expression on these cells generates a halo of pericellular adenosine, which contributes to their quiescent state and long-term persistence. In this project, we will i) investigate how these cells arise in the context of chronic infection and vaccination, and whether they are related to intestinal CD73hi CD8 memory T cells; ii) evaluate the impact of disrupting CD73 and adenosine receptor signaling on the survival and function of CD8 memory T cells.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1328: Adenine Nucleotides in Immunity and Inflammation
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Heads: Professor Nicola Gagliani, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Eva Tolosa, Ph.D.