Interleukin-21 and cellular activation concurrently induce potent cytotoxic function and promote antiviral activity in human CD8 T cells Article

Parmigiani, A, Pallin, MF, Schmidtmayerova, H et al. (2011). Interleukin-21 and cellular activation concurrently induce potent cytotoxic function and promote antiviral activity in human CD8 T cells . HUMAN IMMUNOLOGY, 72(2), 115-123. 10.1016/j.humimm.2010.10.015

cited authors

  • Parmigiani, A; Pallin, MF; Schmidtmayerova, H; Lichtenheld, MG; Pahwa, S

authors

abstract

  • Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 induces a progressive deterioration of the immune system that ultimately leads to aquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Murine models indicate that the common γ-chain (γc)-sharing cytokine interleukin (IL)-21 and its receptor (IL-21R) play a crucial role in maintaining polyfunctional T cell responses during chronic viral infections. Therefore, we analyzed the ability of this cytokine to modulate the properties of human CD8 T cells in comparison with other γc-sharing cytokines (IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15). CD8 T cells from healthy volunteers were stimulated in vitro via T cell receptor signals to mimic the heightened status of immune activation of HIV-infected patients. The administration of IL-21 upregulated cytotoxic effector function and the expression of the costimulatory molecule CD28. Notably, this outcome was not accompanied by increased cellular proliferation or activation. Moreover, IL-21 promoted antiviral activity while not inducing HIV-1 replication in vitro. Thus, IL-21 may be a favorable molecule for immunotherapy and a suitable vaccine adjuvant in HIV-infected individuals. © 2011 American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics.

publication date

  • February 1, 2011

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 115

end page

  • 123

volume

  • 72

issue

  • 2