The role of CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in mice depleted of CD4+ T cells.
OBJECTIVE
To define the cell populations contributing to inflammation-associated respiratory impairment in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).


METHODS
The host inflammation response was observed in CD4+ T cell-depleted mice and in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-depleted mice infected with P. carinii via intratracheal inoculation.


RESULTS
Mice depleted of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells developed infection with neither increased respiratory rate nor lung injury. In contrast, mice depleted of CD4+ T cells alone exhibited severe pulmonary inflammation, and increased respiratory rates. Respiratory compromise was associated with the presence of activated CD8+ cells and neutrophils in the BALF.


CONCLUSIONS
The host's inflammatory cell response to P. carinii directly impairs pulmonary function and contributes to the pathogenesis of PCP, CD8+ T cells appear to play a major role.
An
C L
CL
Department of Pathogen Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001.
Su
X P
XP
Harmsen
A G
AG
D000818:Animals; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000166:cytology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology*