Tissue-resident CD4+ T helper cells assist protective respiratory mucosal B and CD8+ T cell memory responses

Abstract

The roles of CD4+ T helper cells (TH) in shaping localized memory B and CD8+ T cell immunity in the mucosal tissues are largely unexplored. Here, we report that lung TH cells provide local assistance for the optimal development of tissue-resident memory B (BRM) and CD8+ T (TRM) cells following the resolution of primary influenza virus infection. We identify a population of tissue-resident CD4+ TH (aka TRH) cells that co-exhibit follicular T helper (TFH) and TRM cell features and mediate local help of CD4+ T cells to B and CD8+ T cells. Optimal TRH cell formation requires lung B cells and transcription factors involved in TFH or TRM development. Further, we show that TRH cells deliver local help to B and CD8 T cells through CD40L and IL-21-dependent mechanisms. Our data have uncovered a new tissue-resident TH cell population that is specialized in assisting the development of mucosal protective B and CD8+ T cell responses in situ.