Interferon needed for cells to 'remember' how to defeat a virus, UT Southwestern research...(ein called IL-12 are needed to induce th...),Health

Date:12/2/2008

ein called IL-12 are needed to induce the creation of memory cells. They found that interferon and IL-12 team up to promote the creation of a special set of cells that then secrete another signaling protein called IL-2. These IL-2-secreting cells are the ones that remain in the body and "remember" how to fight off the virus.

"Without the IL-2 signaling protein, you'll generate a beautiful primary response against a virus, and you'll eliminate the bug, but your body won't remember how it defeated the virus," Dr. Farrar said. "Without these memory cells, your body is defenseless against re-infections."

Ann Davis, student research assistant in immunology and lead author of the study, said this suggests a new role for interferon: teacher.

"This is really the first demonstration of a role for interferon in teaching a T cell how to respond to viral infections," she said.

Dr. Farrar added: "Up until now, interferon has always been appreciated for its role in inhibiting virus infections. But no one's really paid attention to interferon and its role in regulating memory. That's why we're so excited about this result."

The next step, Dr. Farrar said, is to complete the same study in mice. Early results show that mice with T cells that can't respond to interferon are unable to protect themselves when a virus invades.

"Their immune systems have no idea how to fight the virus," Dr. Farrar said. Dr. Farrar said these early findings in mice may pave the way for designing more effective vaccines.

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Contact: Kristen Holland Shear kristen.hollandshear@utsouthwestern.edu 214-648-3404 UT Southwestern Medical Center Source:Eurekalert

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