Abstract
Resistance to murine toxoplasmic encephalitis has been precisely and definitively mapped to the L(d) class I gene. Consistent with this, CD8(+) T cells can adoptively transfer resistance to toxoplasmic encephalitis. However, cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells, capable of killing class I-matched, infected target cells, are generated during the course of Toxoplasma gondii infection even in mice lacking the L(d) gene. L(d)-restricted killing could not be demonstrated, and the functional correlate of the L(d) gene has therefore remained elusive. Herein, L(d)-restricted killing of T. gondii-infected target cells is demonstrated for the first time. L(d)-restricted killing is critically dependent on the strain of T. gondii and is observed with all the derivatives of type II strains tested, but not with a type I strain. These results have important implications for vaccine development.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, Protozoan / pharmacology
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Cells, Cultured
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Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / genetics
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Encephalitis / genetics
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Encephalitis / immunology*
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Female
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H-2 Antigens / genetics*
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H-2 Antigens / immunology*
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Histocompatibility Antigen H-2D
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Humans
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Immunity, Innate / genetics
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Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
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Lymphocyte Activation / genetics
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Mice, Inbred C3H
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Mice, Transgenic
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Species Specificity
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Spleen / cytology
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Spleen / immunology
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Spleen / metabolism
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / metabolism
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Toxoplasma / immunology*
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Toxoplasma / pathogenicity*
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Toxoplasmosis, Animal / genetics
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Toxoplasmosis, Animal / immunology*
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Toxoplasmosis, Animal / parasitology
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Virulence
Substances
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Antigens, Protozoan
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H-2 Antigens
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Histocompatibility Antigen H-2D
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Interferon-gamma