Abstract
NKT cells are specialized cells of the immune system that bear both T cell and NK cell markers. Classical NKT cells display TCRs of restricted heterogeneity (Valpha14-Jalpha281) and recognize lipid antigens (e.g., alpha-galactosyl ceramide) presented by nonpolymorphic CD1 molecules. Recently, other nonclassical NKT subsets have been recognized, including NKT cells not reactive with CD1d-alpha-galactosyl ceramide complexes. The biological functions of these cells are unknown. Here, we show that nonclassical NKT cells that are CD1d restricted but nonreactive to alpha-GalCer are activated in response to hepatocytes expressing hepatitis B viral antigens in a transgenic mouse model of acute hepatitis B virus infection. Our results document the first in vivo function for such nonclassical NKT cells and suggest a role for these cells in the host response to HBV infection.
Publication types
-
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
-
Acute Disease
-
Adoptive Transfer
-
Animals
-
Antigens, CD1 / immunology
-
Antigens, CD1d
-
Antigens, Viral / genetics
-
Disease Models, Animal
-
Female
-
Galactosylceramides / immunology
-
Hepatitis B / immunology*
-
Hepatitis B e Antigens / genetics
-
Hepatitis B virus / genetics
-
Hepatitis B virus / immunology
-
Hepatitis B, Chronic / immunology*
-
Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
-
Humans
-
Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
-
Liver / cytology
-
Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
-
Male
-
Mice
-
Mice, Inbred C57BL
-
Mice, Knockout
-
Mice, Transgenic
-
Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / immunology
-
Spleen / cytology
-
T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
-
Transgenes
-
Virus Replication
Substances
-
Antigens, CD1
-
Antigens, CD1d
-
Antigens, Viral
-
CD1D protein, human
-
Galactosylceramides
-
Hepatitis B e Antigens
-
Homeodomain Proteins
-
Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
-
RAG-1 protein