Immune memory formation seen in early stages of viral infection

Thursday, January 28, 2010 - 17:28 in Health & Medicine

In an acute viral infection, most T cells differentiate into cells that fight the virus and die off in the process. But a few T cells survive and become memory cells, ensuring the immune system can respond better the next time. Scientists have identified a molecule that defines which cells are destined to become memory T cells just a few days after a viral infection begins. The finding could guide the development of more effective vaccines for infections and also cancer.

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