Extensive T cell cross-reactivity between diverse seasonal influenza strains in the ferret model

Sci Rep. 2018 Apr 17;8(1):6112. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-24394-z.

Abstract

Influenza virus causes widespread, yearly epidemics by accumulating surface protein mutations to escape neutralizing antibodies established from prior exposure. In contrast to antibody epitopes, T cell mediated immunity targets influenza epitopes that are more highly conserved and have potential for cross-protection. The extent of T cell cross-reactivity between a diverse array of contemporary and historical influenza strains was investigated in ferrets challenged with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza or the seasonal H3N2 strain, A/Perth/16/2009. Post-challenge cell-mediated immune responses demonstrated extensive cross-reactivity with a wide variety of contemporary and historical influenza A strains as well as influenza B. Responses in peripheral blood were undetectable by 36d post-challenge, but cross-reactivity persisted in spleen. The strongest responses targeted peptides from the NP protein and demonstrated cross-reactivity in both the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations. Cross-reactive CD4+ T cells also targeted HA and NA epitopes, while cross-reactive CD8+ T cells targeted internal M1, NS2, and PA. T cell epitopes demonstrated extensive cross-reactivity between diverse influenza strains in outbred animals, with NP implicated as a significant antigenic target demonstrating extensive cross-reactivity for both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cross Reactions
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / immunology*
  • Ferrets / immunology
  • Ferrets / virology*
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / immunology*
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / immunology*
  • Male
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / immunology*
  • Seasons
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte