B cells latently infected with murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) are present in the mouse thymus-A step toward immune evasion?

Eur J Immunol. 2019 Feb;49(2):351-352. doi: 10.1002/eji.201847886. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Abstract

We show that latently gammaherpesvirus-infected B cells are present in the thymus. This could result in a functional T-cell tolerance against certain viral epitopes. It is conceivable that also antigens from other viruses or pathogens may be conveyed to the thymus for their immune evasion.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / pathology
  • Immune Evasion*
  • Immune Tolerance*
  • Mice
  • Rhadinovirus / immunology*
  • Thymus Gland / immunology*
  • Thymus Gland / pathology