| First Author | Fröhlich A | Year | 2009 |
| Journal | Science | Volume | 324 |
| Issue | 5934 | Pages | 1576-80 |
| PubMed ID | 19478140 | Mgi Jnum | J:149987 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:3849512 | Doi | 10.1126/science.1172815 |
| Citation | Frohlich A, et al. (2009) IL-21R on T cells is critical for sustained functionality and control of chronic viral infection. Science 324(5934):1576-80 |
| abstractText | Chronic viral infection is often associated with the dysfunction of virus-specific T cells. Our studies using Il21r-deficient (Il21r-/-) mice now suggest that interleukin-21 (IL-21) is critical for the long-term maintenance and functionality of CD8+ T cells and the control of chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection in mice. Cell-autonomous IL-21 receptor (IL-21R)-dependent signaling by CD8+ T cells was required for sustained cell proliferation and cytokine production during chronic infection. Il21r-/- mice showed normal CD8+ T cell expansion, effector function, memory homeostasis, and recall responses during acute and after resolved infection with several other nonpersistent viruses. These data suggest that IL-21R signaling is required for the maintenance of polyfunctional T cells during chronic viral infections and have implications for understanding the immune response to other persisting antigens, such as tumors. |
