IL-4 induces CD22 expression to restrain the effector program of virtual memory T cells.

Parasitic helminths induce the production of interleukin-4 (IL-4), which causes the expansion of virtual memory CD8 T cells (T cells), a cell subset that contributes to the control of coinfection with intracellular pathogens. However, the mechanisms regulating IL-4-dependent T cell activation and expansion remain ill defined. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing of CD8 T cells to identify pathways that control IL-4-dependent T cell responses.

Parasitic worms affect virus coinfection: a mechanistic overview.

Helminths are parasitic worms that coevolve with their host, usually resulting in long-term persistence through modulating host immunity. The multifarious mechanisms altering the immune system induced by helminths have significant implications on the control of coinfecting pathogens such as viruses. Here, we explore the recent literature to highlight the main immune alterations and mechanisms that affect the control of viral coinfection.