Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The mechanisms of how Th cells promote CD8(+) T cell responses during viral infections are largely unknown. In this study, we unraveled the mechanisms of T cell help for CD8(+) T cell responses during vaccinia virus infection. Our results demonstrate that Th cells promote vaccinia virus-specific CD8(+) T cell responses via two interconnected synergistic pathways: First, CD40L expressed by activated CD4(+) T cells instructs dendritic cells to produce bioactive IL-12p70, which is directly sensed by Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells, resulting in increased IL-2Rα expression. Second, Th cells provide CD8(+) T cells with IL-2, thereby enhancing their survival. Thus, Th cells are at the center of an important communication loop with a central role for IL-2/IL-2R and bioactive IL-12.

Original publication

DOI

10.4049/jimmunol.1001990

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Immunol

Publication Date

01/11/2010

Volume

185

Pages

5188 - 5197

Keywords

Adoptive Transfer, Animals, CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Cell Communication, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Interleukin-12, Interleukin-2, Lymphocyte Activation, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Knockout, Poxviridae Infections, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer, Vaccinia virus