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Murine cytomegalovirus-induced immunosuppression
Infection and Immunity
|April 1, 1982
Summary
Murine cytomegalovirus infection causes immunosuppression by affecting both spleen adherent cells and lymphocytes. Infected adherent cells secrete a factor that impairs lymphocyte response to mitogens like concanavalin A.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) is a significant pathogen known to cause immune suppression.
- Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying MCMV-induced immunosuppression is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular mechanisms responsible for immunosuppression induced by murine cytomegalovirus.
- To identify the roles of lymphocytes and adherent cells in the spleen during MCMV infection.
Main Methods:
- Spleens from infected SWR/J mice were analyzed.
- Cell mixing experiments were performed using lymphocytes and adherent cells.
- Mitogen responses, specifically to concanavalin A, were assessed.
Main Results:
- Complete abrogation of mitogen responses was observed with as few as 100 infected cells per spleen at 4-5 days post-infection.
- Adherent cells from infected spleens contributed to immunosuppression, likely by secreting an immunosuppressive factor.
- Infected lymphocytes, when exposed to this factor, lost their ability to respond to concanavalin A stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Murine cytomegalovirus infection leads to immunosuppression through a dual mechanism involving both adherent cells and lymphocytes.
- Adherent cells play an active role by producing immunosuppressive factors.
- Lymphocytes become unresponsive to immune stimuli following exposure to these factors, contributing to the overall immune deficiency.