Cytolytic T Cell Activity In Response To Primary RSV Infection In Mice

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

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Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and small children. RSV infection is characterized by significant immunopathology which is mediated by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Past studies have suggested that CD8+ T cells with different functional properties and characteristics can be elicited following infection or immunization, and may have differential effects on viral clearance and RSV-associated illness. This study seeks to fully characterize CD8+ T responses to RSV, elucidate important factors that dictate the type of CD8+ T cell response that is generated, and understand how other cell types regulate the CD8+ T cell response to result in either a beneficial or a detrimental effect.