A vital role for interleukin-21 in the control of a chronic viral infection.
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.
Yi
John S
JS
Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-2170, USA.
Du
Ming
M
Zajac
Allan J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D007378:Interleukins / Q000276:immunology*; D008216:Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / Q000276:immunology*; D008217:Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D019562:Viral Load; D000098546:Interleukin-21
D007378:Interleukins; D000098546:Interleukin-21