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A recent study conducted by researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, has identified a mechanism that determines the fate of early effector CD8+ T cells. The study found that the cytosolic transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is used by these cells to program memory fate. AhR is rapidly up-regulated in early CD8+ T-effector cells upon antigen engagement, and this up-regulation is required for memory formation. The study also found that activated CD8+ T cells up-regulate HIF-1 alpha to compete with AhR, leading to the loss of AhR activity in short-lived effector cells but sustained activity in memory precursor effector cells. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of T-effector cells and their differentiation into memory cells. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, provides new insights into vitiligo, a common autoimmune skin disease. The study investigates the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH) D) on CD8+ T cells, which play a role in the development of vitiligo. The researchers found that 1,25(OH) D deficiency was associated with hyperactivity of CD8+ T cells and that 1,25(OH) D suppressed glycolysis, inhibiting the proliferation and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells. In vivo administration of 1,25(OH) D to mice with vitiligo reduced the infiltration and function of CD8+ T cells and promoted repigmentation. The study suggests that 1,25(OH) D may be a biomarker for the progression and severity of vitiligo and could be a novel approach for its treatment. [Extracted from the article]