Extensive T cell cross-reactivity between diverse seasonal influenza strains in the ferret model.

ABSTRACT: Influenza virus causes widespread, yearly epidemics by accumulating surface protein mutations to escape neutralizing antibodies established from prior exposure. In contrast to antibody epitopes, T cell mediated immunity targets influenza epitopes that are more highly conserved and have potential for cross-protection. The extent of T cell cross-reactivity between a diverse array of contemporary and historical influenza strains was investigated in ferrets challenged with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza or the seasonal H3N2 strain, A/Perth/16/2009. Post-challenge cell-mediated immune responses demonstrated extensive cross-reactivity with a wide variety of contemporary and historical influenza A strains as well as influenza B. Responses in peripheral blood were undetectable by 36d post-challenge,

SUBMITTER: Reber AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5904180 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature