CD8+ T-cell responses in vaccination: reconsidering targets and function in the context of chronic antigen stimulation [version 1; referees: 2 approved]

• Main Authors: Gabriela Cosma, Laurence Eisenlohr
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: F1000 Research Ltd 2018-04-01
• Series: F1000Research
• Online Access: https://f1000research.com/articles/7-508/v1

Cytotoxic CD8 T cells play important roles in eliminating infected and transformed cells. Owing to their potential for therapeutic applications, significant efforts are dedicated toward developing CD8 T cell–based vaccines. Thus far, CD8 T-cell vaccination strategies have had limited success therapeutically in contrast to those targeting antibody-based immunity. However, if the current challenges and gaps in the understanding of T-cell biology are overcome, the full potential of rational CD8 T-cell vaccine design might be realized. Here, we review recent progress in this direction, focusing on target selection and maintenance of function in the settings of chronic infections and cancers.