Publications by authors named "Hannah Sloane"
Article Synopsis
- Influenza viruses A, B, and C cause significant health issues worldwide, and this study focuses on understanding the T cell response to an important protein (NP) across these strains, particularly in individuals with the HLA-A*03:01 molecule, found in about 4% of the global population.
- The researchers measured the strength and quality of CD8 T cell responses to NP and its similar versions from B and C, discovering that the T cell response is diverse and potentially offers cross-protection against all three strains, which could aid future vaccine development.
- Results indicated a stronger response to the A strain's NP compared to B and C, highlighting the need for careful selection of viral targets when designing vaccines to ensure effective protection
Article Synopsis
- Researchers are studying the immune response to SARS-CoV-2, focusing on T cell immunity and its relationship with seasonal coronaviruses.
- A significant immune response was identified in COVID-19 survivors related to the nucleocapsid (N) protein, which was also present in people who had not been exposed to the virus.
- T cell cross-reactivity to other coronaviruses was observed, showing possible long-lasting immunity, driven by specific T cell receptor characteristics.
CD8+ T cells are crucial for anti-viral immunity; however, understanding T cell responses requires the identification of epitopes presented by human leukocyte antigens (HLA). To date, few SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cell epitopes have been described. Internal viral proteins are typically more conserved than surface proteins and are often the target of CD8+ T cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAs a major arm of the cellular immune response, CD4 T cells are important in the control and clearance of infections. Primarily described as helpers, CD4 T cells play an integral role in the development and activation of B cells and CD8 T cells. CD4 T cells are incredibly heterogeneous, and can be divided into six main lineages based on distinct profiles, namely T helper 1, 2, 17 and 22 (Th1, Th2, Th17, Th22), regulatory T cells (Treg) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe interaction between T cell receptor (TCR) and peptide (p)-Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complexes is the critical first step in determining T cell responses. X-ray crystallographic studies of pHLA in TCR-bound and free states provide a structural perspective that can help understand T cell activation. These structures represent a static "snapshot", yet the nature of pHLAs and their interactions with TCRs are highly dynamic.
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