Viruses Teaching Immunology: Role of LCMV Model and Human Viral Infections in Immunological Discoveries

Viruses. 2019 Jan 27;11(2):106. doi: 10.3390/v11020106.

Abstract

Virology has played an essential role in deciphering many immunological phenomena, thus shaping our current understanding of the immune system. Animal models of viral infection and human viral infections were both important tools for immunological discoveries. This review discusses two immunological breakthroughs originally identified with the help of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) model; immunological restriction by major histocompatibility complex and immunotherapy using checkpoint blockade. In addition, we discuss related discoveries such as development of tetramers, viral escape mutation, and the phenomenon of T-cell exhaustion.

Keywords: HCV; HIV; LCMV; MHC restriction; T cell exhaustion; checkpoint blockade; immunotherapy; tetramer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive
  • Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / immunology*
  • Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / therapy
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / genetics
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / immunology*
  • Major Histocompatibility Complex / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mutation
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology