Rapid effector function of varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein I-specific CD4+ T cells many decades after primary infection.

Journal article

Glycoprotein I (gI) of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) contributes to viral virulence and is therefore a potentially important target for T cell control of viral replication. Persisting effector function of gI-specific T cells after primary infection has not been previously examined. We have shown that, many decades after infection, relatively high frequencies gI-specific interferon- gamma responses are detectable ex vivo and are dominated by CD4(+) T cells. We characterized the optimal peptide of the strongest response in our cohort showing restriction through DRB4*01. These findings are consistent with gI-specific CD4(+) T cell involvement in the control of VZV replication.

Authors: Malavige, G; Jones, L; Black, A; Ogg, G

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Journal of infectious diseases
• Volume: 195
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 660-664
• Publication date: 2007-03-01
• DOI: 10.1086/511274
• EISSN: 1537-6613
• ISSN: 0022-1899
• Language: English
• Keywords: Interferon-gamma; Viral Envelope Proteins; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Humans; Chickenpox; Adult; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Cells, Cultured; Herpesvirus 3, Human