Caister Academic Press

Combat Between Cytomegalovirus and Dendritic Cells in T Cell Priming

Christian Davrinche
from: Cytomegaloviruses: Molecular Biology and Immunology (Edited by: Matthias J. Reddehase). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2006)

Abstract

Dendritic cells are the sentry cells of the immune system as they are located in most organs where they monitor entry of harmful pathogens such as viruses. Sensing of danger results in the innate response providing essential signals for priming of pathogen-specific T cells to fight against infection. When viruses meet dendritic cells a battle is starting for each to ensure its own survival. Cytomegalovirus is considered as a spearhead in developing strategies to impair functions of infected dendritic cells. Successful containment of virus spreading and disease following primary infection of the immunocompetent host questions on forces engaged by the host to win the combat. In this chapter we argue in favour of a model involving acquisition of CMV antigens by non-infected dendritic cells from neighbouring dead cells that were derived very early in the innate phase of the anti-viral response. Phagocytosis of dying cells containing incoming and immediate-early CMV proteins could provide both appropriate costimulatory signals and antigenic material for cross-presentation to na•ve CD8+ T cells in lymph nodes. Temporal coordination between (i) innate sensing through recognition by Toll-like receptors, (ii) apoptosis of infected cells in tissues and (iii) appropriate processing of antigens into the cross-presenting machinery should guarantee an efficient primary response against the virus able to bypass viral subversion read more ...
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