Leishmania major-specific CD8+ T cells are inducers and targets of nitric oxide produced by parasitized macrophages |
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Authors: | Mariane M. A. Stefani,Ingrid Mü ller,Jacques A. Louis |
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Abstract: | Lines of Leishmania major-specific CD8+ T cells were derived from the lymph nodes and spleens of CBA mice, immune following resolution of a primary infection, 7 days after secondary challenge with viable L. major. Specific stimulation of these CD8+ T cells by bone marrow-derived macrophages infected with L. major led to the release of interferon-γ by CD8+ T cells and nitric oxide by macrophages. Interestingly, the nitric oxide released by bone marrow-derived macrophages down-regulated the production of interferon-γ by specifically activated CD8+ T cells. The proliferation and long-term maintenance of these parasite-specific CD8+ T cells was impaired by the nitric oxide produced by stimulating infected macrophages as a result of cytokines released by activated CD8+ T cells. Taken together, the results indicate that L. major-specific CD8+ T cells are sensitive to the toxic effect of the nitric oxide that they induce. |
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Keywords: | Leishmania major CD8+ T cells Nitric oxide Macrophages |
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