title: Batf3 transcription factor-dependent DC subsets in murine CMV infection: differential impact on T-cell priming and memory inflation.
abstract: Priming of CD8(+)  T cells specific for viruses that interfere with the MHC class I presentation pathway is a challenge for the immune system and is believed to rely on cross-presentation. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection induces vigorous CD8(+)  T-cell responses despite its potent immune evasion strategies. Furthermore, CD8(+)  T cells specific for a subset of viral epitopes accumulate and are maintained at high levels exhibiting an activated phenotype - referred to as "inflationary T cells". Taking advantage Batf3(-/-)  mice in which the development of cross-presenting CD8α(+)  and CD103(+)  DCs is severely compromised, we analyzed their role in the induction and inflation of murine (M)CMV-specific CD8(+)  T-cell responses. We found that priming of MCMV-specific CD8(+)  T cells was severely impaired in the absence of cross-presenting DCs. However, inflation of two immuno-dominant MCMV-specific CD8(+)  T-cell populations was largely normal in the absence of cross-presenting DCs, indicating that inflation during latency was mainly dependent on direct antigen presentation. These results highlight differential antigen presentation requirements during acute and latent MCMV infection.
authors: Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors: Nicole
authors: N
authors: Torti
authors: Senta M
authors: SM
authors: Walton
authors: Kenneth M
authors: KM
authors: Murphy
authors: Annette
authors: A
authors: Oxenius