Overarching Immunodominance Patterns and Substantial Diversity in Specificity and Functionality in the Circulating Human Influenza A and B Virus-Specific CD4+ T-Cell Repertoire

J Infect Dis. 2018 Aug 24;218(7):1169-1174. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiy288.

Abstract

There is limited information on the antigen specificity and functional potential of the influenza virus-specific CD4+ T-cell repertoire in humans. Here, enzyme-linked immunospot assays were used to examine circulating CD4+ T-cell specificities for influenza virus directly ex vivo in healthy adults. Our studies revealed CD4+ T-cell reactivity to multiple influenza virus proteins, including hemagglutinins, neuraminidases, M1 proteins, and nucleoproteins. Unexpectedly, the immunodominance hierarchies and functional potential of cells reactive toward influenza A virus were distinct from those toward influenza B virus. We also identified influenza virus-specific cells producing granzyme B. Our findings revealed individual and virus-specific patterns that may differentially poise humans to respond to infection or vaccination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Humans
  • Immunodominant Epitopes / immunology*
  • Influenza A virus / genetics
  • Influenza A virus / immunology*
  • Influenza B virus / genetics
  • Influenza B virus / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / immunology*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Immunodominant Epitopes