Naive CD8 T cell functional heterogeneity

The long-term objective is to elucidate how naïve CD8 T cell heterogeneity is generated and maintained, understand qualitative differences among naïve CD8 T cell subsets, and use this information to establish novel strategies to induce protective naïve CD8 T cell immunity against pathogens and cancer. The proposed studies will investigate both mouse and human naïve CD8 T cells. Specific Aim 1: To elucidate how naïve CD8 T cell heterogeneity contributes to immune response and homeostasis of T cells in mice. Specific Aim 2: To define human naïve CD8 T cell atlas by examining antigen specific CD8 T cells in young and aged adults as well as newborns.