Expression of Mig (Monokine Induced by Interferon-#gamma#)Is Important in T Lymphocyte Recruitment and Host Defense Following Viral Infection of the Central Nervous System

摘要

Induction of a Th1 immune response against viral infection of the CNS is important in contributing to viral clearance. The present tudies demonstrate a role for the T cell chemoattractant chemokine Mig (monokine induced by IFN-,,) in contributing to a Thl esponse against mouse hepatitis virus infection of the CNS. Analysis of the kinetics of Mig expression revealed mRNA transcript! Iresent at days 7 and 12 postinfection (p.i.) but not early (day 2) or late (day 35) in the infection. To determine functional ignificance, mouse hepatitis virus-infected mice were treated with anti-Mig antisera, and the severity of disease was evaluated. :uch treatment resulted in a marked increase in mortality that correlated with a> 3 log increase in viral burden within the brains s compared with control mice treated with normal rabbit serum. Anti-Mig-treated mice displayed a significant decrease (p < 1.005) in CD4+ and CDS+ T cell recruitment into the CNS as compared with normal rabbit serum-treated mice. In addition, ,nti-Mig treatment resulted in a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in levels of IFN-" and IFN-fJ that coincided with increased (p < 1.02) expression of the anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokine IL-10 within the CNS. Collectively, these data indicate that Mig is im. lortant in contributing to host defense by promoting a protective Th1 response against viral infection of the CNS.