Genetic disruption of CD8+ Treg activity enhances the immune response to viral infection.

ABSTRACT: The immunological interactions that regulate the T-cell response to chronic viral infection are insufficiently understood. Here we study a cellular interaction that may enhance the antiviral immune response and constrain immunopathology. We analyze the contribution of Qa-1-restricted CD8(+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells) to antiviral immunity after infection by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. These CD8(+) Treg cells recognize and eliminate target cells through an interaction with the murine class Ib MHC molecule Qa-1 (HLA-E in humans). Using Qa-1 mutant mice (B6.Qa-1-D227K [B6-DK]) that harbor a single mutation that abrogates binding of Qa-1 peptide to the CD8-TCR (T-cell receptor) complex, we show that disruption of immune suppression mediated by CD8(+) Treg cells results in robust a

SUBMITTER: Holderried TA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3876206 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature