Immunosuppression and resultant viral persistence by specific viral targeting of dendritic cells

J Exp Med. 2000 Nov 6;192(9):1249-60. doi: 10.1084/jem.192.9.1249.

Abstract

Among cells of the immune system, CD11c(+) and DEC-205(+) splenic dendritic cells primarily express the cellular receptor (alpha-dystroglycan [alpha-DG]) for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). By selection, strains and variants of LCMV that bind alpha-DG with high affinity are associated with virus replication in the white pulp, show preferential replication in a majority of CD11c(+) and DEC-205(+) cells, cause immunosuppression, and establish a persistent infection. In contrast, viral strains and variants that bind with low affinity to alpha-DG are associated with viral replication in the red pulp, display minimal replication in CD11c(+) and DEC-205(+) cells, and generate a robust anti-LCMV cytotoxic T lymphocyte response that clears the virus infection. Differences in binding affinities can be mapped to a single amino acid change in the viral glycoprotein 1 ligand that binds to alpha-DG. These findings indicate that receptor-virus interaction on dendritic cells in vivo can be an essential step in the initiation of virus-induced immunosuppression and viral persistence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD*
  • CD11 Antigens / immunology
  • Cell Line
  • Central Nervous System / virology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cricetinae
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / virology*
  • Dystroglycans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy*
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Lectins, C-Type*
  • Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / immunology
  • Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / virology
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / genetics
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / immunology
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / isolation & purification
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / physiology*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / analysis
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / analysis
  • Receptors, Virus / metabolism
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Spleen / virology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / physiology
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD11 Antigens
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • DEC-205 receptor
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Virus
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Viral Proteins
  • Dystroglycans