Distinct and complementary roles of CD4 T cells in protective immunity to influenza virus. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sant, Andrea J; Richards, Katherine A; Nayak, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in immunology. Volume 53(2018)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.03.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-7915

Abstract

Highlights: Humans have a diverse repertoire of circulating CD4 T cells specific for influenza viral proteins. Critical CD4 T cell functions include help for B cell and CD8 T cell responses and cytotoxicity. Although follicular helper cells and cytotoxic CD4 T cells are critical, their differentiation is reciprocally regulated. Universal influenza vaccines should be designed overcome deficits in CD4 T cell function and specificity. Abstract : CD4 T cells play a multiplicity of roles in protective immunity to influenza. Included in these functions are help for high affinity antibody production, enhancement of CD8 T cell expansion, function and memory, acceleration of the early innate response to infection and direct cytotoxicity. The influenza-specific CD4 T cell repertoire in humans established through exposures to infection and vaccination has been found to be highly variable in abundance, specificity and functionality. Deficits in particular subsets of CD4 T cells recruited into the response result in diminished antibody responses and protection from infection. Therefore, improved strategies for vaccination should include better methods to identify deficiencies in the circulating CD4 T cell repertoire, and vaccine constructs that increase the representation of CD4 T cells of the correct specificity and functionality.