CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells license Kupffer cells to reverse CD8<sup>+</sup> T cell dysfunction induced by hepatocellular priming
Nature Immunology, Published online: 30 June 2025; doi:10.1038/s41590-025-02199-3
Here the authors show that CD4+ effector T cells prevent or reverse CD8+ T cell dysfunction by licensing Kupffer cells to trigger IL-27 production, defining a liver-specific immune circuit and a potential target for chronic HBV therapeutics.
Summary
A recent study in Nature Immunology reveals a novel immune circuit in the liver crucial for CD8+ T cell function. Researchers demonstrate that CD4+ effector T cells counteract CD8+ T cell dysfunction by activating Kupffer cells, the liver’s resident macrophages. This activation triggers the production of IL-27, a cytokine essential for maintaining healthy CD8+ T cell activity. This discovery highlights a liver-specific mechanism where CD4+ T cells “license” Kupffer cells to support CD8+ T cell immunity. The findings suggest this immune circuit could be a potential therapeutic target for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections.
Read more…
This post is part of “Science/Immunology News”, Follow for more…!!!
