Antigen Presentation during Influenza Virus Infection

T cell immunity to virus infection is driven by the recognition of antigenic viral peptide sequences presented on the surface of infected cells in complex with MHC molecules. Our understanding the factors that modulate the magnitude and efficacy of the immune response remain largely unknown. This thesis used powerful mass spectrometry-based techniques to probe and quantify the nature of antigen presentation following influenza virus infection, which was then related back to the anti-viral immune response. This work provides new insights into virus-host interactions and anti-viral immunity, the results of which will guide the development of therapeutics and peptide-based vaccines.