Citation | Andrew McMichael is distinguished for his major contributions to our knowledge of human T-lymphocytes in relation to human leucocyte differentiation antigens and virus specific cytotoxic T-cells (CTL). He characterised the first monoclonal antibody to a human leucocyte differentiation Ag (CD1a) and with his associates selected the first mAbs to CD6, the adhesion molecule LFA1 and a platelet glycoprotein - all important phenotypic and functional markers. He was the first to demonstrate anti-viral Class I MHC (HLA) restricted CTL in man and developed the required methods. This study showed the exquisite specificity of CTL for the restriction HLA molecule and pointed to subtypes of HLA A2 not distinguishable by serology. Recently he has defined the recognition patterns of human CTL for influenza virus components and epitopes and genetic differences in epitope recognition. Presently he is collaborating on CTL recognition of HIV. Overall his work has contributed significantly to the awareness of CTL in virus infection which is highlighted by the current HIV problem. |