Transgenic mice lacking class I major histocompatibility complex-restricted T cells have delayed viral clearance and increased mortality after influenza virus challenge.
To investigate the role of CD8+ T lymphocytes in recovery from influenza pneumonia, we used transgenic mice either homozygous (-/-) or heterozygous (+/-) for beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) gene disruption. These mice lack major histocompatibility complex-restricted class I (CD8+) T cells. We found that after challenge with a nonlethal influenza virus, the beta 2-M (-/-) mice had significantly delayed pulmonary viral clearance. Furthermore, after challenge with a more virulent influenza virus, the beta 2-M (-/-) mice had a significantly higher mortality rate than did control mice. Thus, CD8+ T cells are important in recovery from virulent influenza infections, but other host defense mechanisms can clear the respiratory tract of more benign infections.
Bender
B S
BS
Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.
Croghan
T
T
Zhang
L
L
Small
P A
PA
D000818:Animals; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology*; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000172:deficiency*
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin