The immune response against flaviviruses. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Slon Campos, Jose; Mongkolsapaya, Juthathip; Screaton, Gavin
• Is Part Of: Nature immunology. Volume 19:Number 11(2018)
• Page Start: 1189
• Page End: 1198
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; 571.9605
• DOI: 10.1038/s41590-018-0210-3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1529-2908

Abstract

Abstract Arthropod-borne flaviviruses are important human pathogens that cause a diverse range of clinical conditions, including severe hemorrhagic syndromes, neurological complications and congenital malformations. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop safe and effective vaccines, a process requiring better understanding of the immunological mechanisms involved during infection. Decades of research suggest a paradoxical role of the immune response against flaviviruses: although the immune response is crucial for the control, clearance and prevention of infection, poor clinical outcomes are commonly associated with virus-specific immunity and immunopathogenesis. This relationship is further complicated by the high homology among viruses and the implication of cross-reactive immune responses in protection and pathogenesis. This Review examines the dual role of the adaptive immune response against flaviviruses, particularly emphasizing the most recent findings regarding cross-reactive T cell and antibody responses, and the effects that these concepts have on vaccine-development endeavors. Screaton and colleagues discuss the role of the adaptive immune response against flaviviruses in protection and pathogenesis, with emphasis on cross-reactive T cell and antibody responses.