MedUni Vienna: Memory cells in the oral mucosa protect against viruses
A research team at MedUni Vienna has shown that specialised memory T cells remain in the oral mucosa after viral infections and are supported by neighbouring cells. These local immune networks may play a crucial role in providing long-term protection against reinfection and could help guide future vaccination strategies.
The oral mucosa is one of the body's primary entry points for viruses, making local immune defence particularly important. While antibodies circulating in the blood contribute to protection, tissue-resident memory T cells remain directly at the site of infection after recovery and are able to respond rapidly when the same pathogen is encountered again.
Researchers from the Department of Dermatology at MedUni Vienna analysed blood and oral mucosa samples from healthy individuals who had recently recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using advanced single-cell and spatial analysis techniques, they investigated which immune cells are present within the oral mucosa and how they interact with neighbouring cells.
Memory T cells remain in the oral mucosa
The study demonstrated that large numbers of memory T cells associated with both SARS-CoV-2 and the Epstein-Barr virus were located directly within the oral mucosa. Rather than being randomly distributed, these immune cells were found in close proximity to fibroblasts and dendritic cells.
Fibroblasts provide structural support within the tissue, while dendritic cells play an essential role in recognising pathogens and regulating immune responses. The close interaction between these cell types appears to support the long-term maintenance of memory T cells.
“Our findings show that the oral mucosa is not merely a mechanical barrier. It is also an active immune niche where memory cells can be maintained over the long term,” says study author Florian Winkler from the Department of Dermatology at MedUni Vienna.
Neighbouring cells support long-term immune protection
The researchers found evidence that surrounding cells provide important biological signals that help memory T cells remain functional and persist within the tissue. This local support network may enable the immune system to respond rapidly when viruses enter the body again.
Implications for future vaccination strategies
The findings provide new insights into how durable immunity develops directly at mucosal surfaces, which are among the most common entry points for infectious diseases.
“For future vaccination strategies, it is important to understand how stable immunity develops directly at the mucous membranes. Our study provides new insights into this using the oral mucosa as an example,” says study lead Johanna Strobl from the Department of Dermatology at MedUni Vienna.
The researchers note that the study involved a relatively small number of participants. Further investigations will therefore be required to confirm the underlying mechanisms. Nevertheless, the results contribute valuable knowledge about how long-term immune protection is established and maintained at sites where viruses first enter the body.
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