Research conducted at University of Iowa has provided new information about influenza
December 9th, 2008
2008 DEC 9 -- According to recent research from the United States, "Elimination of influenza virus-infected cells during primary influenza virus infections is thought to be mediated by CD8(+) T cells though perforin- and FasL-mediated mechanisms. However, recent studies suggest that CD8(+) T cells can also utilize TRAIL to kill virally infected cells."
"Therefore, we herein examined the importance of TRAIL to influenza-specific CD8(+) T cell immunity and to the control of influenza virus infections. Our results show that TRAIL deficiency increases influenza-associated morbidity and influenza virus titers, and that these changes in disease severity are coupled to decreased influenza-specific CD8(+) T cell cytotoxicity in TRAIL(-/-) mice, a decrease that occurs despite equivalent numbers of pulmonary influenza-specific CD8(+) T cells. Furthermore, TRAIL expression occurs selectively on influenza-specific CD8(+) T cells, and high TRAIL receptor (DR5) expression occurs selectively on influenza virus-infected pulmonary epithelial cells. Finally, we show that adoptive transfer of TRAIL(+/+) but not TRAIL(-/-) CD8+ effector T cells alters the mortality associated with lethal dose influenza virus infections," wrote E.L. Brincks and colleagues, University of Iowa.
The researchers concluded: "Collectively, our results suggest that TRAIL is an important component of immunity to influenza infections and that TRAIL deficiency decreases CD8(+) T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, leading to more severe influenza infections."
Brincks and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Immunology (CD8 T cells utilize TRAIL to control influenza virus infection. Journal of Immunology, 2008;181(7):4918-4925).
For additional information, contact K.L. Legge, University of Iowa, Dept. of Pathology 1036ML, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Publisher contact information for the Journal of Immunology is: American Association Immunologists, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
Keywords: United States, Iowa City, Flu, Immunology, Influenza, Influenza Virus, Viral Research, Virology, University of Iowa.
This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.
