pDCs amplify tissue-resident memory CD8⁺ T cell responses during viral reinfection

Resident memory CD8⁺ T cells (Trms) are essential for protecting barrier nonlymphoid tissues (NLTs) against reinfection, yet the involvement of dendritic cells (DCs) in this process and the nature of Trm–DC interactions within these tissues remain poorly understood. Our study demonstrates that upon reactivation, memory CD8⁺ T cells located in the skin—independently of circulating memory counterparts—initiate the infiltration and maturation of plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) in the tissue. This, in turn, promotes the maturation of conventional type 1 DCs (cDC1s) through type I IFN (IFN-I) signaling in a pDC-dependent manner. Depletion of pDCs or blocking IFN-I signaling disrupts this axis, severely impairing Trm-driven protection against secondary infections with vaccinia virus (VACV) in the skin. Notably, this pDC-dependent, IFN-I-mediated pathway is also essential for Trm-mediated protection against secondary respiratory infections with influenza A virus (IAV). Our findings uncover a crucial collaboration between Trm, pDCs, and cDC1s, offering new insights for enhancing vaccines.