Latent infection with herpes simplex virus is associated with ongoing CD8 T-cell stimulation by parenchymal cells within sensory ganglia

Abstract

CD8+ T-cell persistence can be seen in ganglia harboring latent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. While there is some evidence that these cells suppress virus reactivation, this view remains controversial. Given that maintenance of latency by CD8+ T cells would necessitate ongoing exposure to antigen within this site, we sought evidence for such chronic stimulation. Initial experiments showed infiltration by activated but not naïve CD8+ T cells into ganglia harboring latent HSV infection. While such infiltration was independent of T-cell specificity, once recruited, only virus-specific T cells expressed high levels of preformed granzyme B, a marker of ongoing activation. Moreover, bone m..