A vital role for interleukin-21 in the control of a chronic viral infection

JS Yi, M Du, AJ Zajac - Science, 2009 - science.org
JS Yi, M Du, AJ Zajac
Science, 2009science.org
Understanding the factors that regulate the induction, quality, and longevity of antiviral T cell
responses is essential for devising rational strategies to prevent or combat infections. In this
study, we show that interleukin-21 (IL-21), likely produced by CD4+ T cells, directly
influences the generation of polyfunctional CD8+ T cells and that the number of CD4+ T
cells that produce IL-21 differs markedly between acute and chronic infections. IL-21
regulates the development of CD8+ T cell exhaustion and the ability to contain chronic …
Understanding the factors that regulate the induction, quality, and longevity of antiviral T cell responses is essential for devising rational strategies to prevent or combat infections. In this study, we show that interleukin-21 (IL-21), likely produced by CD4+ T cells, directly influences the generation of polyfunctional CD8+ T cells and that the number of CD4+ T cells that produce IL-21 differs markedly between acute and chronic infections. IL-21 regulates the development of CD8+ T cell exhaustion and the ability to contain chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. Thus, IL-21 serves as a critical helper factor that shapes the functional quality of antiviral CD8+ T cells and is required for viral control.
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