Resident memory CD8 T cells in the upper respiratory tract prevent pulmonary influenza virus infection

Abstract

Nasal epithelial tissue of the upper respiratory tract is the first site of contact by inhaled pathogens such as influenza virus. We show that this region is key to limiting viral spread to the lower respiratory tract and associated disease pathology. Immunization of the upper respiratory tract leads to the formation of local tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells (Trm cells). Unlike Trm cells in the lung, these cells develop independently of local cognate antigen recognition and transforming growth factor– signaling and persist with minimal decay, representing a long-term protective population. Repertoire characterization revealed unexpected differences between lung and nasal tissue Trm cells,..