Analysis of CD8 T cell response to cytomegalovirus (CMV) or influenza virus (Flu) in healthy human adults

Thursday, October 11, 2012 — Poster Session IV
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Natcher Conference Center, Building 45	NIA	IMMUNO-7

Authors

• G Chen
• NP Weng

Abstract

The adaptive immune response is featured with antigen-specific (Ag+) lymphocytes. The recognization and responsiveness of viral Ag+ lymphocytes is one of the determining factors for the outcome of an infection in host. To assess the quantity and quality of Ag+ T cell response to viral antigens, we analyzed CD8 T cell responses to CMV or Flu in 23 healthy adults using artificial APC system in vitro. We found that Ag+ CD8 T cell responses and expansion to CMV or Flu were variable individually. As expected, the central memory T cells (Tcm) showed more expansion than naïve T cells (Tn) in both of CMV and Flu challenge. However, it was CMV, but not Flu, that showed correlated CD8 T cells expansion between Tn and Tcm. Different antigen from CMV, but not Flu, showed the correlated expansion capability. These may partially reflect the latent and chronic infection properties of CMV. Interestingly, the expansion of Ag+ CD8 T cells was not correlated with the pre-existed Ag+ cells of CMV or Flu. Thus, this expansion quality was memory independent. This study will enhance our understanding of the different anti-viral response, and provide an immunological basis for clinical intervention such as vaccine design in future.

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