Dendritic cells cross-presenting viral antigens derived from autologous cells as a sensitive tool for visualization of human cytomegalovirus-reactive CD8+ T cells.
BACKGROUND
CD8+ T lymphocytes are essential to contain viral infections, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). To visualize these clinically important effector cells, we used dendritic cells (DC), which efficiently present exogenous antigens by MHC class I molecules (cross-presentation).


RESULTS
Immature DC were fed with apoptotic debris derived from autologous HCMV-infected macrophages. After maturation, the antigen-loaded DC were used to stimulate lymphocytes from the same donor. We could detect high numbers of interferon-gamma producing CD8+ T cells in HCMV-seropositive but not in HCMV-seronegative healthy individuals and in only one of five HCMV-seropositive immunosuppressed patients. In contrast, autologous DC infected with live HCMV virions stimulated antiviral CD8+ T lymphocytes to a lesser extent.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that DC cross-presenting HCMV antigens derived from autologous macrophages could serve as a valuable tool to monitor and possibly enhance the antiviral T-cell response in patients after transplantation.
Raftery
Martin J
MJ
Department of Virology, Charité Medical School, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
Schwab
Marina
M
Diesner
Simone
S
Egerer
Gerlinde
G
Schönrich
Gunther
G
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology*; D002460:Cell Line; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000821:virology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000956:Antigens, Viral