A vital role for interleukin-21 in the control of a chronic viral infection.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
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.
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Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Yi, JS; Du, M; Zajac, AJ
Published Date
- June 19, 2009
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 324 / 5934
Start / End Page
- 1572 - 1576
PubMed ID
- 19443735
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC2736049
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1095-9203
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1126/science.1175194
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States