Effective clearance of a persistent viral infection requires cooperation between virus-specific Lyt2+ T cells and nonspecific bone marrow-derived cells.
The lifelong chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection established in neonatally or congenitally infected mice can be eliminated by adoptive transfer of lymphoid cells from LCMV-immune mice. In this study, we have identified the effector cells mediating the clearance of persistent and disseminated LCMV infection. Using mice that are recombinant in the H-2 region and by selective depletion of lymphocyte subpopulations, we show that viral clearance was mediated by LCMV-specific Lyt2+ L3T4- T cells that are restricted to the class I genes of the major histocompatibility complex. In addition, our results show a requirement for host-derived bone marrow cells for the effective elimination of virus from the liver. These studies emphasize the importance of virus-specific T cells and an intact bone marrow function in viral clearance.
D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000276:immunology*; D002353:Carrier State / Q000628:therapy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D008211:Lymphocyte Cooperation; D008216:Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D008217:Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral