Herpes simplex virus-specific memory CD8+ T cells are selectively activated and retained in latently infected sensory ganglia.
This study challenges the concept that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) latency represents a silent infection that is ignored by the host immune system, and suggests antigen-directed retention of memory CD8(+) T cells. CD8(+) T cells specific for the immunodominant gB(498-505) HSV-1 epitope are selectively retained in the ophthalmic branch of the latently infected trigeminal ganglion, where they acquire and maintain an activation phenotype and the capacity to produce IFN-gamma. Some CD8(+) T cells showed TCR polarization to junctions with neurons. A gB(498-505) peptide-specific CD8(+) T cell clone can block HSV-1 reactivation from latency in ex vivo trigeminal ganglion cultures. We conclude that CD8(+) T cells provide active surveillance of HSV-1 gene expression in latently infected sensory neurons.
Khanna
Kamal M
KM
Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Bonneau
Robert H
RH
Kinchington
Paul R
PR
Hendricks
Robert L
RL
D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000276:immunology*; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000276:immunology*; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D017735:Virus Latency / Q000276:immunology
D000939:Epitopes