Engagement of the costimulatory molecule ICOS in tissues promotes establishment of CD8+tissue-resident T cells

Elevated gene expression of the costimulatory receptor Icos is a hallmark of CD8+ tissue-resident memory (Trm) T cells. Here, we examined the contribution of ICOS in Trm cell differentiation. Upon transfer into WT mice, Icos-/-CD8+ T cells exhibited defective Trm generation but produced recirculating memory popula-tions normally. ICOS deficiency or ICOS-L blockade compromised establishment of CD8+ Trm cells but not their maintenance. ICOS ligation during CD8+ T cell priming did not determine Trm induction; rather, effector CD8+ T cells showed reduced Trm differentiation after seeding into Icosl-/-mice. IcosYF/YF CD8+ T cells were compromised in Trm generation, indicating a critical role for PI3K signaling. Modest transcrip-tional changes in the few Icos-/-Trm cells suggest that ICOS-PI3K signaling primarily enhances the effi-ciency of CD8+T cell tissue residency. Thus, local ICOS signaling promotes production of Trm cells, providing insight into the contribution of costimulatory signals in the generation of tissue-resident populations.

Automated summary

ICOS signaling pathway plays a critical role in the generation of CD8+ tissue-resident memory (Trm) T cells, promoting their production but not affecting their maintenance. This study reveals the importance of costimulatory signals in the generation of tissue-resident populations.