Kinetics and Phenotype of Endogenous Pulmonary Cd4 T Cell Response to Viral Primary Influenza: An Animal Study

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia of both bacterial and viral origin, are a major cause of pediatric death globally, with IAV Influenza A virus being the most common culprit causing viral pneumonia. IAV affects approximately 20% pediatric population yearly. 

Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess the specialized subsets of CD4 T cells with influenza A virus specificity in the lungs. Also, the present study aimed to establish that influenza A virus-specific CD4 T cell response is regulated via antigen-presenting cells of the pulmonary region.

Methods: Female C57Bl/6 and BALB/c mice of the age of 8-12 weeks were used for all assessments. Age- and weight-matched groups of female C57Bl/6 mice were lightly anesthetized by isoflurane inhalation and infected intranasally.

Results: Frequency of CD4 T cells that produces IFNγ following peptide-pulsed splenic stimulator DC incubation was increased significantly in comparison to CD4 T cells incubated using non-peptide-pulsed splenic stimulator DC. Hetero subtypes protection could be provided by Influenza A virus-specific CD8 and CD4 cells having specificity for highly conserved epitopes existing within internal IAV protein.

Conclusion: The present study concludes that GAS and IAV are critical pathogens invading humans and leading to significant disease and mortality globally. For the development of targeted vaccinations and treatment, the understanding of immune response following the invasion of these pathogens is vital.