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General and specific immunosuppression caused by antiviral T-cell responses
R M Zinkernagel1, O Planz, S Ehl
1Department of Pathology, University of Zurich, Switzerland. rolf.zinkernagel@pty.usz.ch
Immunological Reviews
|July 10, 1999
Summary
The lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) causes immunosuppression by destroying immune cells. This virus impairs immune responses and enhances virus persistence, potentially impacting human viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- The lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), an RNA virus, induces immunosuppression.
- This immunosuppression involves the destruction of immune cells by cytotoxic T cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms of LCMV-induced immunosuppression.
- To understand how LCMV impacts both general and specific immune responses.
- To explore the implications for human viral infections like HIV and hepatitis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cytotoxic T cell responses against LCMV-infected cells.
- Investigation of LCMV's effect on antigen-presenting cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells.
- Examination of LCMV's interaction with B cells and its impact on antibody production.
Main Results:
- LCMV-induced immunopathology leads to the destruction of immune cells, causing generalized immunosuppression.
- This process impairs responses to unrelated antigens and enhances T-cell exhaustion.
- LCMV infection of B cells results in specific immunosuppression, delaying antibody responses and promoting viral persistence.
Conclusions:
- CD8+ T-cell-mediated immunopathology is a key mechanism of LCMV-induced immunosuppression.
- Both generalized and specific immunosuppression contribute to viral persistence.
- These mechanisms may play a role in human infections with viruses such as HIV, HBV, and HCV.