Immunity
Volume 18, Issue 5, May 2003, Pages 593-603
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Article
Herpes Simplex Virus-Specific Memory CD8+ T Cells Are Selectively Activated and Retained in Latently Infected Sensory Ganglia

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Abstract

This study challenges the concept that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) latency represents a silent infection that is ignored by the host immune system, and suggests antigen-directed retention of memory CD8+ T cells. CD8+ T cells specific for the immunodominant gB498-505 HSV-1 epitope are selectively retained in the ophthalmic branch of the latently infected trigeminal ganglion, where they acquire and maintain an activation phenotype and the capacity to produce IFN-γ. Some CD8+ T cells showed TCR polarization to junctions with neurons. A gB498-505 peptide-specific CD8+ T cell clone can block HSV-1 reactivation from latency in ex vivo trigeminal ganglion cultures. We conclude that CD8+ T cells provide active surveillance of HSV-1 gene expression in latently infected sensory neurons.

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