Transience of MHC Class I-restricted antigen presentation after influenza A virus infection

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Apr 21;106(16):6724-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0901128106. Epub 2009 Apr 3.

Abstract

Antigen expressed as MHC Class I glycoprotein (pMHCI) complexes on dendritic cells is the primary driver of CD8(+) T cell clonal expansion and differentiation. As we seek to define the molecular differences between acutely stimulated cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) effectors and long-lived memory T cells, it is essential that we understand the duration of in vivo pMHCI persistence. Although infectious influenza A virus is readily cleared by mammalian hosts, that does not necessarily mean that all influenza antigen is totally eliminated. An exhaustive series of carefully controlled adoptive transfer experiments using 3 different carboxy fluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester-labeled T cell receptor-transgenic CTL populations and a spectrum of genetically engineered and wild-type influenza A viruses provided no evidence for pMHCI persistence over the 30-60-d interval after virus challenge. Molecular profiles identified in antigen-specific T cells at this time may thus be considered to reflect established immunologic memory and not recent CTL activation from a persistent pMHCI pool.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation / immunology*
  • CD11c Antigen / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Movement
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Epitopes / immunology
  • Female
  • Fluoresceins
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology*
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Influenza A virus / immunology*
  • Kinetics
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / virology
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / complications
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / immunology*
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Phenotype
  • Succinimides
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • 5-(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester
  • CD11c Antigen
  • Epitopes
  • Fluoresceins
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Succinimides
  • Ovalbumin