Infection of cells with varicella-zoster virus down-regulates surface expression of class I major histocompatibility complex antigens.
In vitro assays indicate that both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes are important for recognition of varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-infected cells. This study demonstrates that infection of human fibroblasts with wild-type or recombinant-derived strain Oka VZV results in down-regulation of surface expression of class I MHC heavy chains. Radioactive labeling of infected cells indicated that the amount of newly synthesized class I antigen was similar in uninfected and VZV-infected cells. In addition, immunoblotting showed that the amount of total cellular class I MHC heavy chains was unaffected by VZV infection. These results suggest that the reduction of class I heavy chains on the surface of VZV-infected cells is due to a defect in posttranslational processing. The down-regulation of class I MHC antigens in VZV-infected cells may provide a mechanism for the virus to escape the host immune response.
Cohen
J I
JI
Medical Virology Section, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
D002460:Cell Line; D005347:Fibroblasts; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000302:isolation & purification
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; C056913:glycoprotein E, varicella-zoster virus