Role of CD40 ligand and CD28 in induction and maintenance of antiviral CD8+ effector T cell responses

Susanne Andreasen, Jeanette Erbo Christensen, O Marker, Allan Randrup Thomsen

104 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The primary aim of this report was to evaluate the immune responses of CD40 ligand-deficient (CD40L-/-) mice infected with two viruses known to differ markedly in their capacity to replicate in the host. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a natural mouse pathogen that replicates widely and extensively, whereas vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) spreads poorly. We found that the primary response of CD40L-/- mice toward VSV is significantly impaired; proliferation of both CD4+ and CD8+ cells is reduced 2- to 3-fold, few CD8+ cells acquire an activated phenotype, and little functional activity is induced. Very similar results were obtained in VSV-infected, CD28-deficient mice. In contrast, neither CD40L nor CD28 was required for induction of a primary CD8+ response toward LCMV. Surprisingly, lack of CD4+ T cells had no impact on the primary immune response toward any of the viruses, even though the CD40 ligand dependence demonstrated for VSV would be expected to be associated with CD4 dependence. Upon coinfection of VSV-infected mice with LCMV, the requirement for CD40 ligand (but not CD28) could be partially bypassed, as evidenced by a 3-fold increase in the frequency of VSV-specific CD8+ T cells on day 6 postinfection. Finally, despite the fact that the primary LCMV-specific CD8+ response is virtually unimpaired in CD40L-/- mice, their capacity to maintain CD8+ effector activity and to permanently control the infection is significantly reduced. Thus, our results demonstrate that the importance of CD40/CD40L interaction for activation of CD8+ T cells varies between viruses and over time.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume164
Issue number7
Pages (from-to)3689-97
Number of pages8
ISSN0022-1767
Publication statusPublished - 2000

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Role of CD40 ligand and CD28 in induction and maintenance of antiviral CD8+ effector T cell responses'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this