Researcher helps boost immune system memory against influenza

Researchers are one step closer to making the T cell army stronger. In a recent study, researchers found that by manipulating one molecular signaling pathway in the T cells that participate in clearing influenza virus in the lungs, the strength and longevity of immunological memory produced can be improved.

When humans or animals get infected, the body's immune system tries to not only clear the infection but also build up a memory of the pathogen that caused it. So, when the pathogen comes around again for possible reinfection, the body has an army of memory T cells that can recognize and destroy it. These T cells are a critical part of immunological memory, and an important component of efficient vaccines.

Now, researchers at the University of Missouri are one step closer to making the T cell army stronger.

This finding can potentially support the future development of more effective vaccines and therapeutics to combat influenza and other respiratory infections with the ultimate goal of increasing the body's immunological memory, which can both prevent and lessen the severity of infections and reinfections.

"This research can help us solve that problem by increasing the amount of T cells that can fight against infection. In this study, we have identified novel ways to improve the generation and long-term maintenance of protective immunity against influenza, and that is by manipulating a molecular target known as the IKK2/NFkB signaling pathway."

Reference: Curtis J. Pritzl, Dezzarae Luera, Karin M. Knudson, Michael J. Quaney, Michael J. Calcutt, Mark A. Daniels, Emma Teixeiro. IKK2/NFkB signaling controls lung resident CD8+ T cell memory during influenza infection. Nature Communications, 2023; 14 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40107-1