IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Tissue resident memory cells formed after neonatal viral infection contribute to asthma

Tissue resident memory cells formed after neonatal viral infection contribute to asthma

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The talk described how early-life human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection can increase the risk of asthma later in life. In mouse models, neonatal infection followed by re-challenge in adulthood led to stronger type 2 immune responses, with more IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, eosinophil recruitment, mucus production, and airway hyperresponsiveness. The study found that neonatal infection generates CD4 tissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs) that are skewed toward a Th2 phenotype, marked by GATA3 and CCR4, while adult TRMs are more Th1-like. Depleting or blocking these TRMs reduced asthma-like pathology, while transferring neonatal TRMs into naïve mice was sufficient to drive disease after re-exposure. The researchers also identified JAK2 as a potential therapeutic target; JAK2 inhibition reduced Th2 cytokines, eosinophilia, and mucus production. Overall, the work shows that early-life viral infection programs pathogenic TRM cells that contribute to asthma, and JAK2 blockade may help prevent this response.

Meta Tag

Date April 17, 2026 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM

Room 205

Session Airway Hypersensitivity and Asthma

Speaker Jie Lan

Track Immediate Hypersensitivity, Asthma, and Allergic Responses (HYP)

Year 2026

Keywords

human metapneumovirus

asthma

tissue-resident memory T cells

Th2 immune response

JAK2 inhibition

April 17, 2026 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM

205

Airway Hypersensitivity and Asthma

Jie Lan

Immediate Hypersensitivity, Asthma, and Allergic Responses (HYP)

2026