CD44 Regulates Survival and Memory Development in Th1 Cells

SummaryOptimal immunity to microorganisms depends upon the regulated death of clonally expanded effector cells and the survival of a cohort of cells that become memory cells. After activation of naive T cells, CD44, a widely expressed receptor for extracellular matrix components, is upregulated. High expression of CD44 remains on memory cells and despite its wide usage as a “memory marker,” its function is unknown. Here we report that CD44 was essential for the generation of memory T helper 1 (Th1) cells by promoting effector cell survival. This dependency was not found in Th2, Th17, or CD8+ T cells despite similar expression of CD44 and the absence of splice variants in all subsets. CD44 limited Fas-mediated death in Th1 cells and its ligation engaged the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt kinase signaling pathway that regulates cell survival. The difference in CD44-regulated apoptosis resistance in T cell subpopulations has important implications in a broad spectrum of diseases.

► Without CD44, Th1 cells fail to generate memory to influenza virus infection
► CD44 controls the survival of CD4+ Th1 cells, but not Th2, Th17, nor CD8+ T cells
► Ligation of CD44 with an agonist antibody elicits PI3 kinase-Akt survival signal