T cell immune evasion – SARS-CoV-2 escapees targeting cytotoxic T cell epitope

Prof. Liu explores the critical role of T cells in immunity against influenza and SARS-CoV-2, highlighting their long-lasting memory and cross-reactivity across virus variants. The research demonstrates how prior infections or vaccinations can provide T cell–mediated protection, even when antibody responses are limited. It also examines how viral mutations can sometimes evade T cell recognition, shaping virus evolution. These findings underscore the importance of T cells in long-term immunity and vaccine design.