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Characterization of brain-infiltrating mononuclear cells during infection with mouse hepatitis virus strain JHM
J S Williamson1, K C Sykes, S A Stohlman
1Department of Neurology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033.
Abstract:
The eradication of infectious virus from the central nervous system (CNS) following infection with the neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus (JHMV) is thought to be immune-mediated. Furthermore, a significant decrease of infectious virus coincides with the appearance of prominent inflammatory infiltrates in the brain and spinal cord. In the present study, mononuclear cells infiltrating the brain during JHMV infection were isolated and characterized. While all subsets of immune cells were present, there appeared to be a temporal relationship between the peak incidence of CD8+ T cells (40% of total isolated cells) and reduction of virus at day 7 post-infection. Cells with the natural killer (NK) phenotype (at least 30%) were also present throughout infection. These data suggest that CD8+ T cells and NK cells are prominent among cells which infiltrate the brain during JHM virus infection and may have important roles in reduction of virus within the CNS.
Insights
Immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, infiltrate the brain during mouse hepatitis virus (JHMV) infection. Their presence correlates with a reduction in infectious virus within the central nervous system (CNS).
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infectious virus eradication in the central nervous system (CNS) after mouse hepatitis virus (JHMV) infection is believed to be immune-driven.
- A decrease in infectious virus correlates with increased inflammatory infiltrates in the brain and spinal cord.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize mononuclear cells infiltrating the brain during JHMV infection.
- To investigate the role of specific immune cell subsets in viral clearance within the CNS.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of mononuclear cells from the brain during JHMV infection.
- Characterization of immune cell subsets, including CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells.
Main Results:
- All immune cell subsets were present during JHMV infection.
- A peak incidence of CD8+ T cells (40%) coincided with viral reduction at day 7 post-infection.
- Natural killer (NK) cells (at least 30%) were consistently present throughout the infection period.
Conclusions:
- CD8+ T cells and NK cells are major immune cell types infiltrating the brain during JHMV infection.
- These prominent immune cells likely play a significant role in reducing viral load within the CNS.