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Cells process exogenous proteins for recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes
J W Yewdell1, J R Bennink, Y Hosaka
1Wistar Institute for Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 5, 1988
Summary
Cells can process intact influenza virus proteins for immune recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). This processing, crucial for vaccine development, requires viral entry into the cell cytoplasm.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a critical role in antiviral immunity.
- Understanding how cells process viral antigens is key to developing effective vaccines.
- Influenza virus presents unique challenges for cellular antigen processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism by which cells process intact, noninfectious influenza virus for recognition by class I-restricted CTLs.
- To determine the role of viral entry and specific viral proteins in CTL sensitization.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of cells to intact, noninfectious influenza virus.
- Analysis of antigen processing and presentation to CTLs.
- Inhibition studies involving viral neuraminidase activity and membrane fusion.
Main Results:
- Cells recognized intact, noninfectious influenza virus via class I-restricted CTLs.
- Both internal and external viral proteins were processed for CTL recognition.
- Viral neuraminidase inactivation and prevention of membrane fusion inhibited sensitization.
- Cytoplasmic entry of viral proteins was essential for CTL recognition.
Conclusions:
- Cells can process intact, exogenous influenza virus proteins for CTL recognition.
- Antigen processing depends on the introduction of exogenous viral proteins into the cytoplasm.
- These findings have implications for designing vaccines that elicit robust CTL responses against influenza.