| First Author | Elsaesser H | Year | 2009 |
| Journal | Science | Volume | 324 |
| Issue | 5934 | Pages | 1569-72 |
| PubMed ID | 19423777 | Mgi Jnum | J:150018 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:3849543 | Doi | 10.1126/science.1174182 |
| Citation | Elsaesser H, et al. (2009) IL-21 is required to control chronic viral infection. Science 324(5934):1569-72 |
| abstractText | CD4+ and CD8+ T cell functions are rapidly aborted during chronic infection, preventing viral clearance. CD4+ T cell help is required throughout chronic infection so as to sustain CD8+ T cell responses; however, the necessary factor(s) provided by CD4+ T cells are currently unknown. Using a mouse model of chronic viral infection, we demonstrated that interleukin-21 (IL-21) is an essential component of CD4+ T cell help. In the absence of IL-21 signaling, despite elevated CD4+ T cell responses, CD8+ T cell responses are severely impaired. CD8+ T cells directly require IL-21 to avoid deletion, maintain immunity, and resolve persistent infection. Thus, IL-21 specifically sustains CD8+ T cell effector activity and provides a mechanism of CD4+ T cell help during chronic viral infection. |
