Mice lacking the transcription factor subunit Rel can clear an influenza infection and have functional anti-viral cytotoxic T cells but do not develop an optimal antibody response

Abstract

Rel, a haemopoietic cell-restricted member of the NF-κB/Rel family of transcription factors, has recently been shown to be important in the function of B and T lymphocytes. In an attempt to understand the role of this protein in the immune response, we examined the ability of Rel(-/-) mice to counter an influenza virus infection. Normal levels of virus-specific cytotoxic T cells induced in Rel(-/-) mice were able to clear virus from the lungs, albeit with somewhat delayed kinetics compared to normal mice. Rel(-/-) mice did, however, display a markedly reduced T cell proliferative response to the virus, and exhibited impaired local and systemic influenza virus-specific antibody responses. Thi..