| Abstract | The contribution of the spleen to protective antiviral T cell memory was studied using the mouse model of infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Virus-specific CD8+ memory T cells were induced by local (intranasal or intracutaneous) or systemic (intravenous) immunization using RSV or vaccinia virus-recombinants expressing an RSV protein. After all three routes of immunization, the spleen was clearly identified as the main anatomic compartment harbouring virus-specific memory T cells. Surprisingly, however, splenectomy performed 30 days after immunization did not impair the efficacy of the memory T cell response to a subsequent RSV challenge infection. Irrespective of the route of priming, splenectomy did not influence the number or the functional activity of virus-specific memory T cells recruited to the lung following RSV challenge. More importantly, splenectomy did not impair pulmonary virus control by antiviral memory T cells in vivo. These findings were confirmed under experimental conditions where no neutralizing antibodies were induced by the priming infection. Thus, although most memory CD8+ T cells localize to the spleen after viral infections, this important lymphoid organ is dispensable for efficient recall responses. These findings have implications for the immunocompetence of splenectomized patients. |
| Authors | Sonja Mrusek, Simone Vallbracht, Stephan Ehl
(Affiliation: Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Freiburg, Mathildenstrasse 1, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.)
|
| Journal | International immunology
(Int Immunol)
Vol. 17
Issue 1
Pg. 27-33
(Jan 2005)
ISSN: 0953-8178 England |
| PMID | 15520043
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
| Topics |
- Animals
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
(immunology)
- Cell Differentiation
- Immunization
- Immunocompetence
(physiology)
- Immunologic Memory
- Lung
(cytology, immunology)
- Mice
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections
(immunology)
- Respiratory Syncytial Viruses
(immunology)
- Spleen
(cytology, immunology)
- Splenectomy
- Vaccinia virus
(genetics, immunology)
|
