Abstract
Resolution of virus infections depends on the priming of virus-specific CD8+ T cells by dendritic cells (DC). While this process requires major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted antigen presentation by DC, the relative contribution to CD8+ T cell priming by infected DC is less clear. We have addressed this question in the context of a peripheral infection with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV). Assessing the endogenous, polyclonal HSV-specific CD8+ T cell response, we found that effective in vivo T cell priming depended on the presence of DC subsets specialized in cross-presentation, while Langerhans cells and plasmacytoid DC were dispensable. Utilizing a novel mouse model that allows for the in vivo elimination of infected DC, we also demonstrated in vivo that this requirement for cross-presenting DC was not related to their infection but instead reflected their capacity to crosspresent HSV-derived antigen. Taking the results together, this study shows that infected DC are not required for effective CD8+ T cell priming during a peripheral virus infection.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e01508-17 |
Journal | Journal of Virology |
Volume | 92 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2018 |