Overarching Immunodominance Patterns and Substantial Diversity in Specificity and Functionality in the Circulating Human Influenza A and B Virus–Specific CD4+ T-Cell Repertoire. (12th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Richards, Katherine A; Treanor, John J; Nayak, Jennifer L; Sant, Andrea J
• Is Part Of: Journal of infectious diseases. Volume 218:Number 7(2018)
• Page Start: 1169
• Page End: 1174
• Publication Date: 2018-05-12
• Subjects: Influenza virus -- CD4+ T cells -- cell mediated immunity -- influenza vaccine; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Diseases -- Causes and theories of causation -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy288
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1899

Abstract

Abstract: There is limited information on the antigen specificity and functional potential of the influenza virus–specific CD4 + T-cell repertoire in humans. Here, enzyme-linked immunospot assays were used to examine circulating CD4 + T-cell specificities for influenza virus directly ex vivo in healthy adults. Our studies revealed CD4 + T-cell reactivity to multiple influenza virus proteins, including hemagglutinins, neuraminidases, M1 proteins, and nucleoproteins. Unexpectedly, the immunodominance hierarchies and functional potential of cells reactive toward influenza A virus were distinct from those toward influenza B virus. We also identified influenza virus–specific cells producing granzyme B. Our findings revealed individual and virus-specific patterns that may differentially poise humans to respond to infection or vaccination. Abstract : Human influenza virus–specific CD4 + T cells from a large cohort were quantified. CD4 + T-cell reactivity was exceptionally broad, and, unexpectedly, the immunodominance and functional potential of CD4 + T cells reactive toward influenza A and B viruses were strikingly distinct.