T Cell Immunity and Zika Virus Vaccine Development

Trends Immunol. 2017 Aug;38(8):594-605. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2017.05.004. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

Abstract

The recent Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic has created an urgent need for a safe and effective vaccine. There is still a dearth of knowledge about ZIKV immunity, but years of investigation into the immunobiology of other flaviviruses has helped to accelerate the development of a ZIKV vaccine. Although the humoral immune response generates the primary correlate of protection from disease, robust T cell responses could enhance ZIKV vaccine efficacy. Additionally, pre-existing immunity to related flaviviruses could generate cross-reactive T cells that may affect immune responses upon vaccination. In this review, we summarize the key discoveries in the area of flavivirus T cell immunity and postulate on how these findings can inform ZIKV vaccine strategies for inducing protective immunity.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dengue Virus / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Heterologous / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology*
  • Zika Virus / immunology*
  • Zika Virus Infection / immunology
  • Zika Virus Infection / prevention & control*
  • Zika Virus Infection / virology

Substances

  • Viral Vaccines