Establishing Tissue Resident Viral-Specific Memory CD8 T Cells Increases Viral Immunity

Immunological memory is the basis for long-lasting protective immunity. An important aspect of this line of defense is the class of immune cells known as CD8 T lymphocytes. These cells are crucial for both clearance of viruses and limiting the growth of virally infected cells. The CD8 T cell response to virus results in the formation of a memory population of cells, which serves as a protective barrier against future insults by the same virus. Our research is focused on determining whether by manipulating the mammalian target of rapaymycin (mTOR) pathway and/or administration of the cytokine IL-15 can boost the number of functional memory CD8 T cells in the peripheral tissues and prevent establishment and provide protection from further viral infections.