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Viral persistence: IL-10 is the key

Nature Reviews Microbiology volume 4, page 879 (2006)Cite this article

Persistent viral infections are responsible for some of the most devastating human diseases, including AIDS and hepatitis. Now, two research groups have concluded that elevated interleukin-10 (IL-10) production causes the immunosuppression that allows viruses to persist unchecked by the immune system. Moreover, by administering a therapeutic antibody to block IL-10 action, the ability of the immune system to clear persistent viruses can be restored.

Intense research has been directed towards understanding the mechanisms that underlie virus persistence. Cell-mediated immunity is essential for virus clearance, but persistent viruses can avoid this antiviral response by inducing immunosuppression. Strategies for inducing immunosuppression include physical deletion of virus-specific T-cell subsets, a useful tactic that is used by HIV-1, hepatitis B and C viruses and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Concomitant with the deletion of T-cell subsets is the loss of T-cell cytolytic functions, which results in an inability to kill virus-infected cells. The latest research from groups led by Michael Oldstone and Matthias von Herrath has established a clear link between cytokine production and T-cell function in persistent LCMV infection.

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPERS

  1. Ejrnaes, M. et al. Resolution of a chronic viral infection after interleukin-10 receptor blockade. J. Exp. Med. 09 October 2006 (10.1085/jem.20061462-12)

  2. Brooks, D. G. et al. Interleukin-10 determines viral clearance or persistence in vivo. Nature Med. 15 October 2006 (10.1038/nm1492)

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Authors
  1. Susan Jones
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Jones, S. Viral persistence: IL-10 is the key. Nat Rev Microbiol 4, 879 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1560

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1560

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