Co-expression of PD1+ and HLA-DR+ in CD8+ T cells is increased in tonsils of children with EBV primary and persistent infection.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects B lymphocytes and establishes lifelong persistence in the B cells. While systemic T-cell responses have been well characterized, the local immune response at the site of viral entry in children from undeveloped countries remains poorly understood.

Methods

Tonsillar CD4 and CD8 T cells in 32 pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy were classified as primary infected (PI), EBV carriers (EC), and non-infected children by serology. T-cell subsets were assessed by flow cytometry, whereas LMP1 and EBNA2 viral proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

A higher percentage of activated HLA-DR+ CD8 T cells in PI patients was demonstrated. Notably, PD-1 expression was increased in both PI and EC, in particular in a

SUBMITTER: Amarillo ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12436462 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature