Lymphatic chain gradients regulate the magnitude and heterogeneity of T cell responses to vaccination

Upon activation, T cells proliferate and differentiate into diverse populations, including highly differentiated effector and memory precursor subsets. Initial diversification is influenced by signals sensed during T cell priming within lymphoid tissues. However, the rules governing how cellular heterogeneity is spatially encoded in vivo remain unclear. Here, we show that immunization establishes concentration gradients of antigens and inflammation across interconnected chains of draining lymph nodes (IC-LNs). While T cells are activated at all sites, individual IC-LNs elicit divergent responses: proximal IC-LNs favor the generation of effector cells, whereas distal IC-LNs promote formation of central memory precursor cells. Although both proximal and distal sites contribute to anamnestic responses, T cells from proximal IC-LNs preferentially provide early effector responses at inflamed tissues. Conversely, T cells from distal IC-LNs demonstrate an enhanced capacity to generate long-lasting responses to chronic antigens in cancer settings, including after checkpoint blockade therapy. Therefore, formation of spatial gradients across lymphatic chains following vaccination regulates the magnitude, heterogeneity, and longevity of T cell responses.