Antibody-independent control of gamma-herpesvirus latency via B cell induction of anti-viral T cell responses

PLoS Pathog. 2006 Jun;2(6):e58. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.0020058. Epub 2006 Jun 23.

Abstract

B cells can use antibody-dependent mechanisms to control latent viral infections. It is unknown whether this represents the sole function of B cells during chronic viral infection. We report here that hen egg lysozyme (HEL)-specific B cells can contribute to the control of murine gamma-herpesvirus 68 (gammaHV68) latency without producing anti-viral antibody. HEL-specific B cells normalized defects in T cell numbers and proliferation observed in B cell-/- mice during the early phase of gammaHV68 latency. HEL-specific B cells also reversed defects in CD8 and CD4 T cell cytokine production observed in B cell-/- mice, generating CD8 and CD4 T cells necessary for control of latency. Furthermore, HEL-specific B cells were able to present virally encoded antigen to CD8 T cells. Therefore, B cells have antibody independent functions, including antigen presentation, that are important for control of gamma-herpesvirus latency. Exploitation of this property of B cells may allow enhanced vaccine responses to chronic virus infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Count
  • Cross Reactions
  • Epitopes
  • Gammaherpesvirinae / physiology*
  • Genome, Viral
  • Immunity, Cellular / physiology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Muramidase / immunology
  • Peritoneal Cavity / cytology
  • Peritoneal Cavity / virology
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / virology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Virus Activation
  • Virus Latency / physiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Epitopes
  • hen egg lysozyme
  • Muramidase