NKG2D contributes to efficient clearance of picornavirus from the acutely infected murine brain.
Activated murine cytotoxic T cells express the NKG2D natural cytotoxicity receptor. This receptor recognizes major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-like molecules expressed on the surface of infected cells and serves to augment T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The role of NKG2D-mediated augmentation in the clearance of central nervous system viral infections has not been explored. Using the Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus model, the authors found that NKG2D-positive CD8+ cytotoxic T cells enter the brain, that NKG2D ligands are expressed in the brain during acute infection, and that interruption of NKG2D ligand recognition via treatment with a function-blocking antibody attenuates the efficacy of viral clearance from the central nervous system.
Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Chandra
C
Deb
Charles L
CL
Howe
D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*; D018188:Cardiovirus Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D002465:Cell Movement; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000378:metabolism; D008024:Ligands; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D055655:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000502:physiology*; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell; D037182:T-Cell Antigen Receptor Specificity; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D017945:Theilovirus / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D014774:Virulence
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; C527086:Klrk1 protein, mouse; D008024:Ligands; D055655:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell