Abstract
The research presented in this thesis focusses on the characterization of the T cell response against (persistent) viral infections. We have studied the clonal evolution of peripheral blood and lymph node derived virus-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells during both primary infections and reactivations. We have analysed the impact of the tissue (lymph node) on the phenotype and function of virus-specific CD8+ T cells. We also examined the relationship between transcription factor expression, phenotype and the functional profile of virus-specific CD8+ T cells.
The combination of multifluorochrome flowcytometry and next generation sequencing used in this thesis shows that it is possible to characterize many aspects of the human anti-viral immune response.
Thus, this thesis paves the way for a better understanding of the phenotype, function and clonal relationships of virus-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells directed against many more proteins derived from many more viruses in a wide variety of tissues. The fact that an ever smaller sample can be used to perform such an analysis without loss of information, will allow for the study of virus-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with extremely low frequencies and the analysis of anti-viral responses in small samples such as biopsies.
The combination of multifluorochrome flowcytometry and next generation sequencing used in this thesis shows that it is possible to characterize many aspects of the human anti-viral immune response.
Thus, this thesis paves the way for a better understanding of the phenotype, function and clonal relationships of virus-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells directed against many more proteins derived from many more viruses in a wide variety of tissues. The fact that an ever smaller sample can be used to perform such an analysis without loss of information, will allow for the study of virus-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with extremely low frequencies and the analysis of anti-viral responses in small samples such as biopsies.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution | |
Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 19 Nov 2014 |
Print ISBNs | 9789461824929 |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |