Regulatory T cells enhance persistence of the zoonotic pathogen Seoul virus in its reservoir host

Regulatory T cell-like responses in deer mice persistently infected with Sin Nombre virus

“…Although we demonstrated predominant TGF-␤ 1 mRNA expression in T cells from persistently infected deer mice, we were unable to assess cytokine protein levels because commercially available antibodies for the laboratory mouse do not cross-react. Nonetheless, our cytokine gene expression findings are identical to those of Easterbrook et al (60) in which they report elevated transcription (and translation) of TGF-␤, but decreased transcription of IL-10 and TNF in rats (Rattus norvegicus) persistently infected with Seoul hantavirus. All of their T cells expressed FoxP3, as did all but one of our T cell lines from persistently infected deer mice.…”

Longitudinal Analysis of the Human T Cell Response during Acute Hantavirus Infection

“…In contrast, a robust hantavirus-specific CD8 T cell response was recently shown to protect against severe disease in patients with Hantaan hantavirus infection (42). In this regard, it is intriguing that the zoonotic hosts for hantaviruses can be persistently infected without experiencing immunopathology (7). This discontinuity might be explained by observations indicating that Norway rats infected with Seoul hantavirus and deer mice infected with Sin Nombre hantavirus exhibited increased numbers of regulatory CD4 T cells (7,30).…”

In silico identified CCR4 antagonists target regulatory T cells and exert adjuvant activity in vaccination

“…Inhibition of Treg activity results in markedly superior immune responses to foreign antigens, pathogens and vaccines (34)(35)(36)(37). CCR4 antagonists may have advantages over other methods of inhibiting Treg activity, such as depletion of Tregs by anti-CD25 MAbs, which has been associated with adverse consequences.…”