Abstract
Viral infections are characterised by a large expansion of CD8(+) effector T cells. Once generated, these T cells must be cleared and homeostasis re-established. In this review we describe two mechanisms, apoptosis and replicative senescence which are thought to play a vital role in this process. Apoptosis clears the unwanted T cells at the end of an immune response whereas replicative senescence prevents unlimited expansion of T cells. For successful memory to be produced T cells must avoid apoptosis and avoid replicative senescence.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 431-434 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Apoptosis |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2000 |
Keywords
- telomerase
- telomeres
- type 1 interferons
- gamma common chain cytokines