[HTML][HTML] Genital HSV-2 infection induces short-term NK cell memory

MF Abdul-Careem, AJ Lee, EA Pek, N Gill… - PLoS …, 2012 - journals.plos.org
MF Abdul-Careem, AJ Lee, EA Pek, N Gill, AE Gillgrass, MV Chew, S Reid, AA Ashkar
PLoS One, 2012journals.plos.org
NK cells are known as innate immune cells that lack immunological memory. Recently, it has
been shown that NK cells remember encounters with chemical haptens that induce contact
hypersensitivity and cytomegalovirus infection. Here, we show the existence of NK cell
memory following HSV-2 infection. Stimulation with HSV-2 Ags led to higher IFNγ production
in NK cells that were exposed 30 days previously to HSV-2, compared to NK cells from naïve
mice. More importantly, this increased production of IFNγ in NK cells was independent of B …
NK cells are known as innate immune cells that lack immunological memory. Recently, it has been shown that NK cells remember encounters with chemical haptens that induce contact hypersensitivity and cytomegalovirus infection. Here, we show the existence of NK cell memory following HSV-2 infection. Stimulation with HSV-2 Ags led to higher IFNγ production in NK cells that were exposed 30 days previously to HSV-2, compared to NK cells from naïve mice. More importantly, this increased production of IFNγ in NK cells was independent of B- and T- lymphocytes and specific for the HSV-2 Ags. We also showed that previously exposed NK cells in a B- and T-lymphocyte free environment mediate protection against HSV-2 infection and they are necessary for the protection of mice against HSV-2 infection. Collectively, NK cells remember prior HSV-2 encounters independent of B- and T- lymphocytes leading to protection against HSV-2 mediated morbidity and mortality upon re-exposure.
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