Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is a well-recognized contributor to immune dysfunction and transplant-related mortality, but the basis for this effect is unknown. Drs. Kean and Watkins are among the authors of the Blood Plenary Paper “CMV reactivation drives posttransplant T cell reconstitution and results in defects in the underlying TCRβ repertoire,” which provides important insights into the phenomenon. They demonstrate that although CMV induces a massive expansion of CMV-specific T effector memory cells (Tem), deep sequencing of TCRβ demonstrates a marked decrease in the diversity of the Tem population. This suggests that CMV hijacks reconstitution of the posttransplant immune system by driving expansion of CMV-specific CD8+ Tem at the expense of the rest of the immune repertoire.
Additionally, Drs. Kean and Watkins discuss the importance of a strong mentorship relationship as a trainee develops into an independent researcher. Dr. Watkins, who joined Dr. Kean’s lab as a trainee, believes that finding a knowledgeable mentor who is a good teacher and also looks after your best interest is very important.
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