Latent herpesvirus infection arms NK cells

Douglas W. White, Catherine R. Keppel, Stephanie E. Schneider, Tiffany A. Reese, James Coder, Jacqueline E. Payton, Timothy J. Ley, Herbert W. Virgin, Todd A. Fehniger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells were identified by their ability to kill target cells without previous sensitization. However, without an antecedent "arming" event, NK cells can recognize, but are not equipped to kill, target cells. How NK cells become armed in vivo in healthy hosts is unclear. Because latent herpesviruses are highly prevalent and alter multiple aspects of host immunity, we hypothesized that latent herpesvirus infection would arm NK cells. Here we show that NK cells from mice latently infected with Murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4) were armed as evidenced by increased granzyme B protein expression, cytotoxicity, and interferon-γ production. NK-cell arming occurred rapidly in the latently infected host and did not require acute viral infection. Furthermore, NK cells armed by latent infection protected the host against a lethal lymphoma challenge. Thus, the immune environment created by latent herpesvirus infection provides a mechanism whereby host NK-cell function is enhanced in vivo.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4377-4383
Number of pages7
JournalBlood
Volume115
Issue number22
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 3 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Hematology
  • Cell Biology

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