CD8 + CD161 + T-Cells: Cytotoxic Memory Cells With High Therapeutic Potential

• Published in: Frontiers in immunology Vol. 11; p. 613204
• Main Authors: Konduri, Vanaja, Oyewole-Said, Damilola, Vazquez-Perez, Jonathan, Weldon, Scott A, Halpert, Matthew M, Levitt, Jonathan M, Decker, William K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 01-02-2021
• Subjects: CD161; effector memory; Immunology; KLRB1; T-cell; TH1 polarization; TH1 polarization; effector memory; CD161; KLRB1; T-cell
• ISSN: 1664-3224; 1664-3224
• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.613204

NK1.1 and its human homolog CD161 are expressed on NK cells, subsets of CD4
and CD8
T cells, and NKT cells. While the expression of NK1.1 is thought to be inhibitory to NK cell function, it is reported to play both costimulatory and coinhibitory roles in T-cells. CD161 has been extensively studied and characterized on subsets of T-cells that are MR1-restricted, IL-17 producing CD4
(T
17 MAIT cells) and CD8
T cells (Tc17 cells). Non-MAIT, MR1-independent CD161-expressing T-cells also exist and are characterized as generally effector memory cells with a stem cell like phenotype. Gene expression analysis of this enigmatic subset indicates a significant enhancement in the expression of cytotoxic granzyme molecules and innate like stress receptors in CD8
NK1.1
/CD8
CD161
cells in comparison to CD8
cells that do not express NK1.1 or CD161. First identified and studied in the context of viral infection, the role of CD8
CD161
T-cells, especially in the context of tumor immunology, is still poorly understood. In this review, the functional characteristics of the CD161-expressing CD8
T cell subset with respect to gene expression profile, cytotoxicity, and tissue homing properties are discussed, and application of this subset to immune responses against infectious disease and cancer is considered.