Project Summary The goal of this proposal is to identify the mechanism(s) by which PD-L1 reverse signaling in dendritic cells (DC) initiates DC trafficking, T cell priming and T cell programming during cutaneous infection. Our studies have outlined a major role for PD-L1 reverse signaling in the control of DC migration from the skin to the draining lymph node. Intriguingly, this loss of migration appears to be dependent on TLR stimulation or infections that initiate type 1 IFN signaling. These findings are consistent with PD-L1 acting to mitigate type 1 IFN signaling events. We also outline a requirement for PD-L1 reverse signaling in chemokine, but not S1P, responsiveness demonstrating a new role for PD-L1 in regulating chemokine signaling. Finally, we find T cell priming in the lymph node is significantly decreased in the absence of PD-L1 reverse signaling. However, these defects in T cell priming only occur when DC trafficking is required, and not when antigens drain directly through the lymphatics and to the LN nor following systemic infection. Therefore, in this proposal we aim to better understand the requirements for PD-L1 reverse signaling in dendritic cell transmigration through the lymphatic capillaries. We also aim to understand how the extracellular and intracellular domains of PD-L1 may control responsiveness to chemokines. Finally, we aim to address the contribution of DC retention in the skin caused by loss of PD-L1 signaling to tissue resident memory responses established after vaccinia scarification.

Project Narrative In this proposal we aim to understand the impact of PD-L1 reverse signaling by dendritic cells during an immune response to cutaneous infection. We will investigate consequences of PD-L1 reverse signaling to dendritic cell migration and subsequent T cell priming.