title: CD8+ T cell immunity against human respiratory syncytial virus.
abstract: Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) was first discovered in the 1950s, but despite decades of research, a licensed vaccine against it is not available. Epidemiological studies indicate that antibodies directed against the fusion protein (F) partially correlate with protection. In addition, an F-specific monoclonal antibody is licensed as a prophylactic treatment in children who are at high risk of developing complications following HRSV infection. Therefore, most HRSV-oriented vaccination strategies focus on inducing a humoral immune response against F. In the quest for the development of a safe HRSV vaccine, the induction of a T cell immune response has received a lot less attention. T cell immunity directed against HRSV has not been associated unequivocally with protection against HRSV and CD4(+) T helper cell responses may even worsen disease due to HRSV. However, many studies support a protective role for CD8(+) T cells in clearance of HRSV from the lungs. In this review we highlight the clinical and experimental evidence in favor of a CD8(+) T lymphocyte-based vaccination strategy to protect against HRSV. First, we describe how T cell responses and T cell memory are induced in the lungs upon respiratory viral infection. HRSV has evolved mechanisms that hamper CD8(+) T cell priming and effector functions. We appraise the information on HRSV-specific CD8(+) T cell immunity gained from laboratory mouse studies, taking into account the advantages and limitations of this animal model and, where possible, the accordance with clinical evidence. Finally, we focus on recent efforts to develop T cell based vaccines against HRSV.
authors.affiliation: Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Technologiepark 927, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, Ghent 9052, Belgium.
authors.forename: Iebe
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rossey
authors.affiliation: Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Technologiepark 927, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, Ghent 9052, Belgium.
authors.forename: Koen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sedeyn
authors.affiliation: Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Technologiepark 927, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, Ghent 9052, Belgium.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Baets
authors.affiliation: Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Technologiepark 927, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, Ghent 9052, Belgium.
authors.forename: Bert
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schepens
authors.affiliation: Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Technologiepark 927, Ghent 9052, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 927, Ghent 9052, Belgium. Electronic address: xavier.saelens@irc.vib-ugent.be.
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Saelens
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022261:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines / Q000276:immunology; D018113:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D022261:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines
keywords: Human respiratory syncytial virus; Immunity; T cell