Immunity system complexity: pre-programmed T cells (Introduction)
Have differentiated shapes:
https://www.sciencemagazinedigital.org/sciencemagazine/library/item/07_june_2024/420012...
"After antigen stimulation, naïve T cells display reproducible population-level responses, which arise from individual T cells pursuing specific differentiation trajectories. However, cell-intrinsic predeterminants controlling these single-cell decisions remain enigmatic. We found that the subcellular architectures of naïve CD8 T cells, defined by the presence (TØ) or absence (TO) of nuclear envelope invaginations, changed with maturation, activation, and differentiation. Upon T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, naïve TØ cells displayed increased expression of the early-response gene Nr4a1, dependent upon heightened calcium entry. Subsequently, in vitro differentiation revealed that TØ cells generated effector-like cells more so compared with TO cells, which proliferated less and preferentially adopted a memory-precursor phenotype. These data suggest that cellular architecture may be a predeterminant of naïve CD8 T cell fate.
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"Together, our results reveal an important role for cellular architecture in regulating T cell function. By combining automated microscopy with deep learning, we provide a morphological framework that can be used to investigate, predict, and control the response of individual T cells upon antigen encounter.
Comment: simply T cells are pre-programmed for specific responses to a variety of antigens. Once responded they maintain a lifetime of protection. A huge article filled with complex data.