Figure 4.

NF-κB signaling triggers and NF-κB mechanisms that regulate CD8 T cell fate during a T cell immune response. This cartoon illustrates the key triggers and mechanisms of NF-κB signaling that influence CD8 T cell fate during a T cell immune response. The primary triggers of NF-κB signaling include antigen recognition, inflammation (including costimulation and pro-inflammatory cytokines), and local cytokines. As levels of antigen and inflammation decrease, other factors—such as tissue cytokines, TNF receptors, and internal NF-κB forward loops established early in the response—assume a more prominent role in determining T cell memory fate during the late phase of the immune response. The functions of NF-κB that operate in T cells are depicted in the cartoon; however, the specific mechanisms by which these factors regulate T cell fate, either independently or synergistically, remain largely unknown. This figure was created using BioRender.com.