NKG2D signaling shifts the balance of CD8 T cells from single cytokine- to polycytokine-producing effector cells

CD8 T cells play a critical role in immunity against intracellular pathogens and cancer. A primary objective of T cell-based vaccine strategies is the induction of durable and effective immune responses. Achieving this goal involves more than simply boosting the numbers of responding T cells. Of particular interest is the induction of CD8 T cells with polycytokine capability, specifically with the ability of CD8 T cells to co-produce IFN gamma, TNF alpha and IL-2. The presence of these polycytokine-producing CD8 T cells correlates strongly with protection against foreign pathogens and cancer. Therefore, approaches capable of inducing such polyfunctional responses are needed. NKG2D engagement on CD8 T cells has been shown to result in increased effector response. However, the manner in which NKG2D engagement results in improved CD8 T cell effector response is unclear. Here we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo that NKG2D engagement by its natural ligand, Rae-1e, shifts the balance from single cytokine to polycytokine (IL-2, IFN gamma, and TFN alpha) production. These data define a previously unrecognized process in which NKG2D costimulation on CD8 T cells results in improved effector responses.