Characterization of CD8⁺ T cells in immune-privileged organs of ZIKV-infected Ifnar1^-/- mice.

ABSTRACT: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection caused neurological complications and male infertility, leading to the accumulation of antigen-specific immune cells in immune-privileged organs (IPOs). Thus, it is important to understand the immunological responses to ZIKV in IPOs. We extensively investigated the ZIKV-specific T cell immunity in IPOs in Ifnar1^-/- mice, based on an immunodominant epitope E_294-302 tetramer. The distinct kinetics and functions of virus-specific CD8⁺ T cells infiltrated into different IPOs were characterized, with late elevation in the brain and spinal cord. Single epitope E_294-302-specific T cells can account for 20-60% of the total CD8⁺ T cells in the brain, spinal cord, and testicle and persist for at least 90 days i

SUBMITTER: Zhang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10805016 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature