Flt3 ligand augmentation of T cell mitogenesis and expansion of type 1 effector/memory T cells

Herein we report mechanisms whereby Flt3 ligand (FL) augments steady state T cell activity in addition to the expansion of dendritic cells (DCs). We demonstrate that in vivo administration of FL increases the frequency and absolute number of effector/memory T cells and preferentially expands T cells that express a type-1 cytokine phenotype. In addition, FL enhances T cell proliferative responses to Concanavalin A that directly correlated with increased frequencies in effector/memory T cells and expansion of lymphoid-derived (type 1) DCs (DC1s). Together, these data demonstrate that mechanisms of FL-induced T cell regulation include not only the expansion of DC subsets, but also the preferential expansion of type 1-effector/memory T cell populations, and suggest multiple mechanisms of action for FL as a vaccine adjuvant and as a therapeutic modality.