T Cell Responses to Arenavirus Infections.
Abstract
The immunological basis of the reciprocal cross-immunity induced by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and Lassa virus (LV) was investigated. A recombinant vaccinia virus that expresses the LV envelope glycoprotein precursor molecule, GP-C, (Vac-LV-G) protects C3H/HeJ mice against lethal challenge with LCMV (UBC). Protection correlated with the induction of T helper cells, but not cytotoxic T cells, that recognize LCMV antigens in vitro. Using synthetic peptides corresponding to potential T cell sites on LV GP-C we found that Vac-LV-G and LCMV induce a population of CD4+ T cells that recognize an epitope located between residues 403-417 of LV GP-C (GP-C403-417). A synthetic peptide corresponding to these residues stimulated proliferation and IFN Gamma secretion by T cells primed with either virus. Five CD4+ T cell clones specific for GP-C403-417 were derived from Vac-LV-G-primed mice. Of the four clones that secreted IFN GAMMA in response to the peptide, three of them also recognized LCMV in vitro. Two clones (clones 9 and 1 1) are 1-Ak-restricted and lyse target cells bearing the appropriate restriction elements in the presence of the peptide. T cell clone 9 mediates a peptide-specific delayed type hypersensitivity reaction and adoptively protects C3H/HeJ mice against lethal challenge with LCMV. T cells; Arenaviruses; Hemorrhagic fevers, Lassa fever, LCMV Lassa fever virus; Synthetic peptides; Vaccine; Recombinant vaccinia; GP-C; CD4+ T cell clones; RA 1.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA250995
Entities
People
- Gerald A. Cole
- Vincent J. La Posta
Organizations
- University of Maryland, Baltimore