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Pannexin 1 regulates CD8+ T cell function and memory formation

Nature Reviews Immunology volume 23, page 478 (2023)Cite this article

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The activation and differentiation of CD8+ T cells following antigen priming are crucial for an effective immune response. These processes are regulated by a complex network of cells and signals involving interactions with other immune cells and cytokine sensing. In addition, metabolites released from apoptotic cells or through transmembrane channels may have a role in modulating CD8+ T cell function. However, the specific origins of these metabolites and their effects on CD8+ T cells remain poorly understood. A preprint by Vardam-Kaur et al. (not peer reviewed) investigates the role of the ATP metabolite transporter pannexin 1 (PANX1) in regulating the functions of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells.

The authors found that PANX1 is essential for the activation of effector CD8+ T cells and for the survival of memory CD8+ T cells. Using a T cell-specific Panx1-knockout mouse model, they showed that these mice have a reduced frequency of antigen-specific effector and memory CD8+ T cells following infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Additional studies using infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus or influenza virus showed the importance of PANX1 for both terminal effector and memory precursor differentiation of CD8+ T cells. Using RNA-sequencing and activation assays, they showed that Panx1-knockout CD8+ T cells have decreased T cell receptor signalling, activation marker expression, proliferation and cytokine production, and increased apoptosis, thereby highlighting the crucial role of PANX1 in promoting T cell survival and function.

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  1. Preprint Club, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

    Mireia Cruz De Los Santos & Andreas Lundqvist

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  1. Mireia Cruz De Los Santos
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  2. Andreas Lundqvist
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Correspondence to Mireia Cruz De Los Santos or Andreas Lundqvist.

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Cruz De Los Santos, M., Lundqvist, A. Pannexin 1 regulates CD8+ T cell function and memory formation. Nat Rev Immunol 23, 478 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-023-00913-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-023-00913-6

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