Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals
Open Access
ISSN: 1948-5964
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 1948-5964
+44 1300 500008
Magdalena Tary-Lehmann
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: JAA
The successful control of viral infections such as HIV typically involves synergistic activities of various components of the immune system. In addition to specifi c antibodies, CD8+ T cells are critical for controlling the infection via cytokine secretion and killing. Like CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells can secrete cytokines upon antigen encounter and recruit cells of the innate immune system to participate in the host defense. CD8+ cells frequently secrete IFN-�³ that shuts down viral replication in the infected cell and upregulates MHC expression in these cells. In addition, IFN-�³ is a potent activator of macrophages and NK cells. IFN-�³ measurements have become the gold standard for monitoring CD8+ cells by ELISPOT. While IFN-�³ assays clearly detect Tc1 cells, they will miss other CD8+ eff ector arms that do not express IFN-�³. Presently, it is unclear what proportion of the antigen-specifi c CD8+ cell repertoire these �alternative� CD8+ cells constitute, and which other products or cytokines released are the most informative. During this talk, I will cover our studies utilizing granzyme B, perforin, TRAIL and IFN-�³ ELISPOT assays for monitoring HIV-specifi c T cells in infected individuals. I will highlight our experience in documenting the existence of �helpless/frustrated/lethargic� CD8+ T cells in humans, that is cells that have been primed in the absence of CD4+ T cell help, and the crucial role that such cells might play in HIV infection.
Dr. M. Tary-Lehmann is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Case Western Reserve University (CASE) Department of Pathology, Co-Founding Scientist and Chief Scientifi c Offi cer for Cellular Technology Limited (CTL). She has published more than 65 papers in peer-reviewed journals. She provides guidance and oversight for technical operations in the GLP laboratory, ensuring the ongoing scientifi c excellence of CTL. Over the past decade, she has worked with clients and regulatory agencies to develop and validate reference samples and controls for use in regulated immune monitoring assays.