Role of CD28 for the generation and expansion of antigen-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes during infection with Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract

Infection of mice with the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes results in a strong CD8(+) T cell response that is critical for efficient control of infection. We used CD28-deficient mice to characterize the function of CD28 during Listeria infection, with a main emphasis on Listeria-specific CD8(+) T cells. Frequencies and effector functions of these T cells were determined using MHC class I tetramers, single cell IFN-gamma production and Listeria-specific cytotoxicity. During primary Listeria infection of CD28(-/-) mice we observed significantly reduced numbers of Listeria-specific CD8(+) T cells and only marginal levels of specific IFN-gamma production and cytotoxicity. Although frequencies were also reduced in CD28(-/-) mice during secondary response, we detected a considerable population of Listeria-specific CD8(+) T cells in these mice. In parallel, IFN-gamma production and cytotoxicity were observed, revealing that Listeria-specific CD8(+) T cells in CD28(-/-) mice expressed normal effector functions. Consistent with their impaired CD8(+) T cell activation, CD28(-/-) mice suffered from exacerbated listeriosis both after primary and secondary infection. These results demonstrate participation of CD28 signaling in the generation and expansion of Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells in listeriosis. However, Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells generated in the absence of CD28 differentiated into normal effector and memory T cells.

• Authors: H W Mittrücker, M Kursar, A Köhler, R Hurwitz, S H Kaufmann
• Journal: Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) (J Immunol) Vol. 167 Issue 10 Pg. 5620-7 (Nov 15 2001) ISSN: 0022-1767 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11698433 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Bacterial
• CD28 Antigens
• Interleukin-2
• Peptides
• Interferon-gamma

Topics

• Animals
• Antigens, Bacterial (immunology)
• CD28 Antigens (genetics, physiology)
• CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes (immunology)
• Cells, Cultured
• Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic
• Interferon-gamma (biosynthesis)
• Interleukin-2 (biosynthesis)
• Listeria monocytogenes (immunology)
• Listeriosis (immunology, microbiology)
• Lymphocyte Activation
• Mice
• Mice, Knockout
• Peptides (immunology)
• T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic (immunology)