Essential role for Batf3-dependent dendritic cells in regulating CD8 T-cell response during SARS-CoV-2 infection

SARS-CoV-2 infection elicits robust CD8 T-cell responses, yet the identity of the mechanisms playing dominant roles in initiating the virus-specific CD8 T-cell responses are largely unknown. In the present study, we interrogate the contribution of the cDC1 subset to SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8 T-cell immunity. For this purpose, we used a novel murine line which combines the SARS-CoV-2 susceptible K18-hACE2 transgenic and the Batf3 deficient mice which lack the cDC1 subset. We demonstrate that in the absence of cDC1, viral-specific CD8 T-cell responses were severely impaired both in the draining lymph node as well as in the lungs, during the effector phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 specific memory CD8 T-cells in the lungs and spleens were also significantly impacted, whereas humoral responses, as well as CD4 T-cells were not affected. Additionally, we demonstrate that the absence of cDC1 subset, and the consequent impaired CD8 T-cell responses, resulted in significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the lungs. The conclusions of the study were further independently corroborated in an additional COVID-19 murine model consisting infection with a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 virus. These results underscore a specific role for Batf3-dependent DC in regulating SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8 T-cell responses and may contribute to future vaccine design and immunization strategies.