Innate-like behavior of human invariant natural killer T cells during herpes simplex virus infection

Cell Immunol. 2012 Jul-Aug;278(1-2):16-20. doi: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2012.06.004. Epub 2012 Jun 29.

Abstract

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, CD1d restricted T cells, are involved in the immune responses against various infection agents. Here we describe their behavior during reactivation of human herpes simplex virus (HSV). iNKT cells exhibit only discrete changes, which however, reached statistically significant level due to the relatively large patient group. Higher percentage of iNKT cells express NKG2D. iNKT cells down-regulate NKG2A in a subset of patients. Finally, iNKT cells enhance their capacity to produce TNF-α. Our data suggests that iNKT cells are involved in the immune response against HSV and contribute mainly to its early, innate phase.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, CD1d / genetics
  • Antigens, CD1d / immunology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Herpes Simplex / immunology*
  • Herpes Simplex / pathology
  • Herpes Simplex / virology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K / genetics
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K / immunology
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / immunology*
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / pathology
  • Simplexvirus / physiology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology
  • Virus Activation

Substances

  • Antigens, CD1d
  • KLRK1 protein, human
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha