Efficient generation and expansion of antigen-specific CD4 super(+) T cells by recombinant influenza viruses

• Published in: European journal of immunology 2003-01, Vol.33 (12), p.3331-3341
• Main Authors: Nimmerjahn, F, Kobelt, D, Steinkasserer, A, Menke, A, Hobom, G, Behrends, U, Bornkamm, G W, Mautner, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Influenza virus
• ISSN: 0014-2980
• DOI: 10.1002/eji.200324342

Adoptive transfer of in vitro generated antigen-specific T cells has been successfully used to treat viral infections in immunodeficient patients. Therefore, methods for the rapid in vitro expansion of antigen-specific T cells are needed. Influenza virus efficiently infects dendritic cells, and peptides derived from viral proteins are processed and presented to CD8 super(+) cytotoxic T cells. However, both, CD4 super(+) and CD8 super(+) T cells are necessary for the efficient control of viral infections, and it is becoming increasingly clear that a T helper cell response is very important for the maintenance and strength of the immune response. Here we show that recombinant influenza virus efficiently infects a wide range of professional antigen-presenting cells and does not interfere with antigen presentation pathways. Using T cell clones for three different MHC class II-restricted antigens we demonstrate that peptides derived from these antigens are efficiently presented on MHC class II molecules. Importantly, it was possible to generate and expand antigen-specific CD4 super(+) T cells following in vitro infection of professional antigen-presenting cells with recombinant influenza virus. These findings support the notion that recombinant influenza virus is a valuable tool for the expansion of antigen-specific CD4 super(+) T cells in vitro.