T Cell Surveillance during Cutaneous Viral Infections

TL;DR

This review discusses how T cells respond to viruses that infect the skin and highlights what is known and unknown about these immune responses.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of T cell responses to cutaneous viral infections and identifies key research gaps.

Findings

T cell responses to cutaneous viral infections vary depending on the infected cell type.

Murine models of poxvirus and herpesvirus have provided key insights into T cell surveillance.

Less is known about T cell responses to flaviviruses and papillomaviruses in the skin.

Abstract

The skin is a complex tissue that provides a strong physical barrier against invading pathogens. Despite this, many viruses can access the skin and successfully replicate in either the epidermal keratinocytes or dermal immune cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the antiviral T cell biology responding to cutaneous viral infections and how these responses differ depending on the cellular targets of infection. Much of our mechanistic understanding of T cell surveillance of cutaneous infection has been gained from murine models of poxvirus and herpesvirus infection. However, we also discuss other viral infections, including flaviviruses and papillomaviruses, in which the cutaneous T cell response has been less extensively studied. In addition to the mechanisms of successful T cell control of cutaneous viral infection, we highlight knowledge gaps and future directions with possible impact on human health.

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