Cutting edge: Conventional CD8α dendritic cells are preferentially involved in CTL priming after footpad infection with herpes simplex virus-1

Abstract

CTL play a major role in immunity to HSV type 1, but little is known about the priming process. In this study, we have examined the class I-restricted presentation of an immunodominant determinant from HSV-1 glycoprotein B after footpad infection. We have found that the only cell types capable of presenting this determinant in draining popliteal lymph nodes within the first 3 days after infection are the CD11c+ CD8α+ CD45RA- dendritic cells. Given that such class I-restricted presentation is essential for CTL priming, this implies that these conventional CD8α+ dendritic cells are the key subset involved in CTL immunity to this virus.