IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Stepwise epigenetic signal integration drives adaptive programming of cytotoxic lymphocytes

Stepwise epigenetic signal integration drives adaptive programming of cytotoxic lymphocytes

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The talk focused on how natural killer (NK) cells and CD8 T cells integrate early immune signals during viral infection to decide between different fates. In mouse cytomegalovirus infection, NK cells can behave adaptively, with some clones expanding massively while others do not. Using color barcoding and single-cell analyses, the speaker showed that this variability is not random: it depends on how signals are received and integrated early after infection.<br /><br />A key finding was that early antigen receptor signaling on day 1 opens chromatin and activates AP1 factors, which then reshape how later cytokine signals—especially IL-12 and downstream STAT4—are interpreted. This sequence is crucial: antigen first, then cytokines. Without early antigen signaling, IL-12 tends to push NK cells into a non-proliferative state and away from adaptive expansion. With it, NK cells can mount strong adaptive responses.<br /><br />The same general principle extends to CD8 T cells, where strong TCR signaling similarly primes AP1-dependent chromatin changes that allow IL-12 to support both effector and memory precursor programs. Overall, the talk argued that AP1-STAT4 collaboration is a conserved mechanism controlling whether cytotoxic lymphocytes become short-lived effectors or long-lived adaptive cells.

Meta Tag

Date April 17, 2026 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Room 151

Session NK cells and innate lymphoid cells in health and disease, Sponsored by the Soc. for Natural Immunity (SNI)

Speaker Simon Grassmann

Year 2026

Keywords

natural killer cells

CD8 T cells

viral infection

AP1 transcription factors

STAT4 signaling

IL-12 cytokine

adaptive immune response

Simon Grassmann

151

April 17, 2026 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

NK cells and innate lymphoid cells in health and disease, Sponsored by the Soc. for Natural Immunity (SNI)

2026