T cells in the central nervous system: the delicate balance between viral clearance and disease.
The central nervous system (CNS) is considered an "immunoprivileged" site with restricted access and a unique microenvironment that profoundly affects the capacity of T cells to exert their functions. The lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus model offers a unique system in which to evaluate the contrasting roles of specific T cells in causing lethal CNS disease or curing pervasive and life-long CNS infection. Specific T cell kinetics in the periphery is briefly discussed. The T cell-mediated mechanisms leading to fatal choriomeningitis are reviewed as are recent methodologic advances that will facilitate the study of antigen-specific T cells in disease pathogenesis. Understanding the specific constraints imposed by the CNS on local T cell activity has important consequences for the design of therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing or curing CNS infection.
McGavern
Dorian B
DB
Division of Virology, Department of Neuropharmacology, Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Homann
Dirk
D
Oldstone
Michael B A
MB
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008216:Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D008217:Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*