IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Discovery of Exhausted-like Lung Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells as Key Mediators of Protective Immunity

Discovery of Exhausted-like Lung Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells as Key Mediators of Protective Immunity - 1

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Chaofan Li described a study of lung tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) after influenza infection. The team found lung TRMs are heterogeneous and include a previously unrecognized PD-1^high, “exhausted-like” subset called TRM-EL, alongside conventional TRM-COM cells. TRM-EL cells are enriched for influenza-specific responses, respond more strongly to secondary infection, and are essential for protection: selectively depleting them caused severe mortality after reinfection. Their formation and maintenance depend on persistent TCR engagement and ongoing antigen exposure, especially from the NP antigen. When NP antigen was reduced or TCR signaling was blocked, TRM-EL features shifted toward conventional TRM-like states. A similar population was also observed in human lower respiratory samples, suggesting this may be a broader antiviral immune mechanism.

Meta Tag

Date April 15, 2026 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Room 102

Session Immunology of the Respiratory Tract

Speaker Chaofan Li

Track Mucosal and Regional Immunology (MUC)

Year 2026

Keywords

April 15, 2026 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

102

Immunology of the Respiratory Tract

Chaofan Li

Mucosal and Regional Immunology (MUC)

2026

lung tissue-resident memory T cells

TRM-EL

PD-1 high exhausted-like subset

influenza reinfection protection

persistent TCR engagement