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{
  "pmid": "38301652",
  "doi": "10.1016/j.immuni.2023.12.006",
  "abstract": "The immune system encodes information about the severity of a pathogenic threat in the quantity and type of memory cells it forms. This encoding emerges from lymphocyte decisions to maintain or lose self-renewal and memory potential during a challenge. By tracking CD8+ T cells at the single-cell and clonal lineage level using time-resolved transcriptomics, quantitative live imaging, and an acute infection model, we find that T cells will maintain or lose memory potential early after antigen recognition. However, following pathogen clearance, T cells may regain memory potential if initially lost. Mechanistically, this flexibility is implemented by a stochastic cis-epigenetic switch that tunably and reversibly silences the memory regulator, TCF1, in response to stimulation. Mathematical modeling shows how this flexibility allows memory T cell numbers to scale robustly with pathogen virulence and immune response magnitudes. We propose that flexibility and stochasticity in cellular decisions ensure optimal immune responses against diverse threats.",
  "journal": "Immunity",
  "year": 2024,
  "authors": "Kathleen Abadie, Elisa C. Clark, Rajesh M. Valanparambil, Obinna Ukogu, Wei Yang et al.",
  "external_ids": {
    "doi": "10.1016/j.immuni.2023.12.006",
    "pmid": "38301652"
  },
  "citation_count": 46
}