SFB 1054 Seminar - Annette Oxenius
ETHZ, Institute of Microbiology, Switzerland
22.02.2018 at 12:15
Title: Regulation of T cell immunity during persistent viral infections
During chronic viral infections both CD8 and CD4 T cell responses are functionally compromised. Alongside exhaustion of CD8 T cells during chronic viral infections, it has also been documented that the CD4 T cells have an increased propensity to differentiate towards CXCR5+ T follicular helper cell (TFH) lineage. Whether these TFH cells contribute to the immune response to chronic viral infection has remained unclear. Using chronic LCMV infection in conjunction with an in vivo system where TFH cells can be conditionally ablated, we have established that these TFH cells do in fact play an important protective function. Specifically, we demonstrate that these TFH cells are essential for the late emergence of neutralizing LCMV-specific antibodies that keep viral titers in check and ultimately allow mice to clear the virus. By supporting the generation of neutralizing antibodies, we show that sustained activity of TFH cells promotes control of the chronic infection in face of exhausted CD8 T cell responses.
Venue:
BioMedical Center (BMC), Room N 01.017,
Großhaderner Str. 9, Planegg-Martinsried
Host: Christina Zielinski (B10)
