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Detection of Polyfunctional T Cells in Children Vaccinated with Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine via the Flow Cytometry Technique
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Impaired T helper 1 function of nonstructural protein 3-specific T cells in Japanese patients with encephalitis with

Priti Kumar1, Paramadevanapalli Sulochana, Gejjehalli Nirmala

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 21, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Acquired immunity is critical for protection against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) encephalitis. Higher interferon-gamma levels in healthy individuals indicate a role in JEV recovery and reduced disease severity.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a leading cause of viral encephalitis, particularly affecting children in endemic regions without vaccination.
  • Acquired immunity appears crucial for protecting adults against symptomatic JEV encephalitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize and compare T cell responses to JEV nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) in healthy, naturally exposed individuals versus convalescent JEV encephalitis patients.
  • To investigate the correlation between T cell responses, particularly interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production, and protective immunity or disease sequelae.

Main Methods:

  • T cell responses were analyzed in healthy donors and JEV encephalitis patients.
  • The JEV NS3 protein, fused to a protein transduction domain, was used to elicit T cell responses.
  • Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production by T cells was quantified.

Main Results:

  • The NS3 protein induced CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell responses in both groups.
  • Significantly higher IFN-γ production was observed in healthy donors compared to patients.
  • Elevated IFN-γ levels strongly correlated with acquired protective immunity to JEV.
  • A notable inverse relationship between IFN-γ levels and the severity of post-encephalitic sequelae was found.

Conclusions:

  • T cell responses to JEV NS3 protein are indicative of acquired immunity.
  • Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) plays a significant role in protection against symptomatic JEV encephalitis and recovery from the disease.

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