Specificity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes stimulated with influenza virus. Studies in mice and humans.

Doherty et al. first demonstrated that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific for virus-infected cells were restricted in their recognition of target antigens by class-I antigens of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Since that time this phenomenon has been thoroughly explored with the res...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Townsend, A, Mcmichael, A
Format: Journal article
Language:English
Published: 1985
Description
Summary:Doherty et al. first demonstrated that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific for virus-infected cells were restricted in their recognition of target antigens by class-I antigens of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Since that time this phenomenon has been thoroughly explored with the result that much is now known of the self-recognising properties of CTLs and rather less is understood about the recognition of virus antigen. Until the latter has been precisely characterised, an understanding of how CTLs recognise their target is unlikely. In this review we discuss the recognition of influenza virus antigens in association with MHC class-I molecules in both mouse and man. Precise mapping of the epitopes seen by CTL receptors is now possible with important practical implications for the development of vaccins.