Analyzes of Nasal Tissue-resident Memory Immune Cells and Peripheral Memory Cells Able to Migrate to Airway Tissues (MUCOVAC)

Clinical evaluation of vaccines against respiratory viruses is currently based on the analysis of systemic immune responses, whereas respiratory immunity is the first line of defense against respiratory pathogens. In addition to secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) in mucosal fluids which are essential to neutralize the pathogens at mucosal surfaces, tissue-resident memory immune cells have been shown to be crucial in protection. Furthermore, memory immune cells in blood able to migrate to airway tissues also play a crucial role. Airway immune responses have not been studied a lot due to the lack of a standardized methodology to evaluate them in humans.