The Rho regulator Myosin IXb enables nonlymphoid tissue seeding of protective CD8T cells.

Abstract

T cells are actively scanning pMHC-presenting cells in lymphoid organs and nonlymphoid tissues (NLTs) with divergent topologies and confinement. How the T cell actomyosin cytoskeleton facilitates this task in distinct environments is incompletely understood. Here, we show that lack of Myosin IXb (Myo9b), a negative regulator of the small GTPase Rho, led to increased Rho-GTP levels and cell surface stiffness in primary T cells. Nonetheless, intravital imaging revealed robust motility of Myo9bCD8T cells in lymphoid tissue and similar expansion and differentiation during immune responses. In contrast, accumulation of Myo9bCD8T cells in NLTs was strongly impaired. Specifically, Myo9b was required for T cell crossing of basement membranes, such as those which are present between dermis and epidermis. As consequence, Myo9bCD8T cells showed impaired control of skin infections. In sum, we show that Myo9b is critical for the CD8T cell adaptation from lymphoid to NLT surveillance and the establishment of protective tissue-resident T cell populations.