Antigen-specific memory CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte recognizing Coccidioides immitis spherule antigens

Antigen-specific memory CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes recognizing Coccidioides immitis spherule antigens are the primary mediators of adaptive immunity against Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley Fever (Hung et al., 2016, Frontiers in Bioscience). These cells are generated following exposure to fungal antigens, particularly those expressed during the parasitic spherule phase, such as the Proline-Rich Antigen (Ag2/PRA) (Cole et al., 2004, Medical Mycology). CD4+ T-cells primarily function by secreting Th1 and Th17 cytokines like IFN-gamma and IL-17, which are crucial for activating macrophages to contain the fungal infection (Fierer, 2017, Vaccine). CD8+ T-cells contribute to protection through cytotoxic mechanisms and additional cytokine production (Tarcha et al., 2006, Infection and Immunity). While not a molecular target for traditional small-molecule drugs, this cell population is the central focus of vaccine development, where the goal is to elicit long-lasting memory that prevents disseminated disease upon subsequent environmental exposure to Coccidioides spores (Kirkland & Fierer, 1996, Emerging Infectious Diseases). The presence and activity of these cells are often used as correlates of protection in preclinical and clinical vaccine studies. Therapeutic strategies aim to induce these cells using recombinant proteins or live-attenuated fungal strains to mimic the lifelong immunity observed in survivors of natural infection.

Other names

Coccidioides-specific memory T-cellsSpherule-reactive T-lymphocytesValley Fever memory T-cellsCoccidioides-specific T-lymphocytes

Vaccine-induced priming and expansion of memory T-cells that orchestrate a Th1/Th17-mediated protective immune response upon fungal challenge.