Detection of a high frequency of virus-specific CD4+ T cells during acute infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.

摘要: Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), like many viruses, induces a profound activation and expansion of CD8 + T cells. In contrast, CD4 cells do not increase in total number during the acute infection. We show here that mice infected with LCMV have low but detectable frequency ( cells, as detected by IL-2 production limiting dilution assays, to each two class II peptides peak response into long-term memory. However, cell response, >20% secreted IFN-γ after stimulation PMA ionomycin, >10% peptides. Thus, these new sensitive assays reveal heretofore unappreciated, yet Ag-specific viral infections.