MHC basis of T cell-dependent heterologous immunity to arenaviruses

Virology. 2014 Sep:464-465:213-217. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.07.012. Epub 2014 Aug 3.

Abstract

Having a history of infection with one pathogen may sometimes provide a level of T cell-dependent protective heterologous immunity to another pathogen. This immunity was initially thought due to cross-reactive T cell epitopes, but recent work has suggested that such protective immunity can be initiated nonspecifically by the action of cytokines on memory T cells. We retested this concept using two small and well-defined arenaviruses, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and Pichinde virus (PV), and found that heterologous immunity in these systems was indeed linked to T cell epitopes and the major histocompatibility complex.

Keywords: Arenaviruses; Cross-reactivity CD8 T cell; Epitopes; Heterologous immunity; Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus; Pichinde virus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arenaviridae Infections / immunology*
  • Arenaviridae Infections / virology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cross Protection
  • Cross Reactions
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Heterologous*
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / immunology*
  • Major Histocompatibility Complex*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Pichinde virus / immunology*

Substances

  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte