CD8+ T cells are a type of white blood cell responsible for recognising and destroying cells that have been infected with viruses, as well as some types of cancer. They are controlled by a complex network of immune signals, which ensure that they respond appropriately to threats to avoid harmful attacks on healthy cells.
The researchers observed that the IFNγ protein changes how effectively the T cells are able to recognise and respond to infection. The protein was found to promote the expansion of less effective T cells, allowing them to compete with more highly effective T cells, ensuring a more balanced immune response.