RNA libraries of sorted CD8+ memory T cells from the spleen and RNA libraries of sorted IELs from the small intestine of C57BL/6J mice

Intraepithelilal lymphocytes (IELs) are located at the intestinal barrier where they can offer swift protection against invading pathogens. However, they are kept in a heightened state of activation resembling effector T cells, but without cytokine production or clonal proliferation. They also posses altered metabolic pathways than CD8+ memory T cells from spleen. With differentially expressed gene analysis of intestinal IELs and CD8+ memory T cells from spleen, we confirmed increased expression of metabolic enzymes involved in lipid uptake and lipid metabolism in IELs compared with CD8+ memory T cells. This was particularly the case for enzymes involved in mevalonate, lanosterol and cholesterol synthesis pathways, suggesting increased lipid metabolite generation. Differential gene expression showed also strong predisposition for cytotoxic potential that IELs possess in comparison to CD8+ memory T cell.