The contribution of memory T cell subsets to antiviral immunity in the lung

The development of vaccines designed to promote cellular immunity to pulmonary virus infections continues to be a significant problem for vaccinologists. This is primarily due to our poor understanding of the mechanisms underlying the establishment and recall of T cell memory at mucosal surfaces such as the lung airways. Recent studies in the mouse have revealed that memory CD8(+) T cell populations are extremely heterogeneous in terms of phenotype, function, anatomical distribution, and longevity and that different subpopulations play distinct roles in the recall response. Moreover, our recent data suggest that the recall response is comprised of temporally distinct phases that involve different subpopulations of memory T cells. Current studies are directed at understanding which memory T cell subsets are elicited by different vaccination strategies and to determine how this impacts the efficacy of the vaccine against secondary virus challenge. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.