Abstract

Mechanisms governing how immune cells and their derived molecules impact homeostatic brain function are still poorly understood. Here, we elucidate neuronal mechanisms underlying effects of T cells on synaptic function and episodic memory. Depletion of CD4 T cells led to memory deficits and impaired long term potentiation. Severe combined immune-deficient (SCID) mice exhibited amnesia, which was reversible by repopulation with T cells from wild-type but not from IL-4-knockout mice. This rescue was mediated via IL-4 receptors (IL-4R) expressed on neurons. Exploration of snRNAseq of neurons participating in memory processing provided insights into synaptic organization and plasticity-associated pathways and genes regulated by immune cells and molecules. IL-4R knockout in inhibitory neurons impaired contextual fear memory, suggesting participation of an IL-4-associated switch in regulating synaptic function and promoting contextual fear memory. These findings provide insights into neuroimmune interactions at the transcriptional and functional levels in neurons.