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Rhinovirus-specific T cells recognize both shared and serotype-restricted viral epitopes
J E Gern1, E C Dick, E A Kelly
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison 53792-4108, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Rhinovirus (RV)-specific T cells can recognize multiple RV serotypes through shared viral epitopes. This cross-reactivity may enhance recall T cell responses, contributing to antiviral immunity or airway inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Rhinoviruses (RV) are a common cause of respiratory infections.
- Understanding T cell responses to RV is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the cytokine secretion profile of RV-specific CD4 T cells.
- To determine the serotype specificity of RV-specific T cell clones.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of RV16- and RV49-specific CD4 T cells from peripheral blood.
- Assessing cytokine secretion (interferon-gamma, interleukin-4, -5) by cloned T cells.
- Testing T cell proliferation in response to five different RV serotypes.
Main Results:
- All RV-specific T cell clones secreted high levels of interferon-gamma.
- Several clones also produced interleukin-4 and -5.
- Most clones exhibited cross-reactivity, proliferating in response to 2-5 different RV serotypes, with only 2 of 31 clones showing serotype-specific recognition.
Conclusions:
- RV-specific T cells can be activated by both serotype-specific and shared viral epitopes.
- Repeated in vivo activation by shared epitopes may induce potent recall T cell responses.
- Enhanced T cell responses to shared epitopes likely contribute to antiviral activity and/or airway inflammation.