title: Killer T cells in influenza.
abstract: Antigen-specific CD8+ T cells play an important role in virus clearance. Here we review the current understanding of influenza virus-specific CD8+ T cell immunity in experimental mouse models and humans. The characteristics and nature of CD8+ T cell killing are discussed, as is the selection and maintenance of the influenza-specific effector and memory repertoires. Consideration is given to vaccine strategies and to the effects of ageing. Understanding the complexities of CD8+ T cell mediated immunity and memory has the potential for improving vaccine design, particularly to combat pandemics caused by newly emerging influenza viruses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. jstambas@unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stambas
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Guillonneau
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kedzierska
authors.forename: Justine D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Mintern
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Doherty
authors.forename: Nicole L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: La Gruta
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines