Age-related changes in durability and function of vaccine-elicited influenza-specific CD4(+) T-cell responses.

ABSTRACT: The major antigenic component of licensed influenza vaccines, hemagglutinin (HA), elicits predominantly type-specific antibody responses, thus necessitating frequent antigenic updates to the annual vaccine. However, accumulating evidence suggests that influenza vaccines can also induce significant cross-reactive T-cell responses to highly divergent, heterosubtypic HA antigens not included in the vaccine. Influenza vaccines are less effective among the elderly and studies that characterize cross-reactive T-cell immunity in this vulnerable population are much needed. Here, we systematically compare the ex vivo frequency, cytokine profile and phenotype of vaccine-elicited HA-specific T-cell responses among a cohort of young (18-49 years old) and elderly (≥70 years old) vaccinees, as well as t

SUBMITTER: Mahnke YD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3224983 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature