# HUMAN LYMPHOCYTE RESPONSES TO INFLUENZA VIRUS INFECTION

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · 1988 · $179,784

## Abstract

We will analyze the generation and specificity of influenza virus-induced
human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and interferon gamma.  Influenza
specific CTL are required for recovery from influenza infection in the
murine model.  We have demonstrated that lymphocytes of humans produce
gamma interferon during the generation of HLA-restricted influenza-specific
T lymphocyte responses, and a significant correlation exists between the
levels of gamma interferon induced and the CTL response.  In the proposed
studies we will define the influenza virus antigens responsible for human
CTL responses and gamma interferon production.  We recently demonstrated a
subtype-specific CTL response to an antigenic site on the HA2 subunit in
the murine system.  This subtype-specific CTL response is broadly
cross-reactive within the Hl subtype.  In the proposed studies we will
determine whether this epitope induces subtype-specific CTL responses from
human lymphocytes and determine whether a similar subtype-specific CTL
antigenic site is present in viruses of the H3 subtype.  The molecule
containing the subtype-specific CTL determinant renders murine target cells
from H-2d mice susceptible to lysis by influenza specific CTL; however,
cells of H-2b or H-2k mice which are susceptible to CTL lysis when infected
with virus are not rendered susceptible to lysis by this molecule.  We will
determine in the murine system the requirements for MHC restrictions of
this subtype-specific CTL determinant.  Human CTL studies will be done to
determine whether specific HLA haplotypes also interact differently with
the subtype-specific determinant as recognized by viru-immune CTLs.
Studies will be performed using human lymphocytes to determine the
precursor frequency of influenza-induced cross-reactive and
subtype-specific CTL responses in normal adults, and following vaccination
or recent infection.  The duration of these CTL responses which are thought
to be associated with protection will be determined.  The effect of
immunization or infection on the production of interferon gamma produced by
human T lymphocytes and on the number of human lymphocytes producing
interferon gamma will be assessed.  The results of these experiments should
provide basic insights into our understanding of the specificity and roles
of human influenza specific CTLs, and their immunoregulatory relationships
with interferon gamma.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3128764
- **Project number:** 5R01AI019378-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- **SAM.gov UEI:** MQE2JHHJW9Q8
- **Principal Investigator:** FRANCIS ANTHONY ENNIS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $179,784
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-05-01 → 1991-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3128764

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3128764, HUMAN LYMPHOCYTE RESPONSES TO INFLUENZA VIRUS INFECTION (5R01AI019378-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3128764. Licensed CC0.

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