Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:52
Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Published on: May 27, 2011
Allografts stimulate cross-reactive virus-specific memory CD8 T cells with private specificity
M A Brehm1, K A Daniels, B Priyadharshini
1Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
Summary
Viral infections can trigger T cell responses that cross-react with transplanted tissues, potentially causing allograft rejection. This study demonstrates that memory CD8 T cells from viral infections can indeed attack and reject foreign tissue grafts.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transplantation Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Viral infections are linked to allograft rejection.
- Heterologous immunity, where T cells cross-react with viral and foreign antigens, is a proposed mechanism.
- The role of memory CD8 T cells in this process is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of virus-specific memory CD8 T cells in allograft rejection.
- To determine if these cells can mediate rejection through cross-reactivity.
Main Methods:
- Adoptive transfer of virus-specific memory CD8 T cells into mice.
- Assessment of T cell proliferation in response to allografts.
- Evaluation of skin allograft rejection in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice.
Main Results:
- Virus-specific memory CD8 T cells proliferated in response to allografts.
- Responses varied based on the host's memory T cell repertoire.
- Purified virus-specific CD8 T cells rejected skin allografts in SCID mice.
Conclusions:
- Virus-specific memory CD8 T cells can mediate allograft rejection.
- Heterologous immunity plays a significant role in virus-induced allograft rejection.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:23Immunological Memory
Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...