Alteration of intracerebral cytokine production in mice infected with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.
Previously we reported that a lethal strain of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infects the brain following ocular inoculation of mice. We now demonstrate that HSV-2 mediates an unusual intracellular sequestering of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens. With use of an RNase protection assay, we observed a selective inhibition of IFN-gamma and IL-6 gene transcription in brains of mice infected with HSV-2. It is likely that the inhibition of cytokine gene expression was mediated through a failure to activate CD4+ lymphocytes. These data suggest that the infecting herpesvirus can influence the profile of intracerebrally produced cytokines, which in turn may determine the outcome of the infection.
Department of Neuropharmacology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037.
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G
Lewandowski
M V
MV
Hobbs
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Bloom
D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D016207:Cytokines; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II