Differences in Lysis between HSV - 2 - infected Autologous LCLs and Fibroblasts by CD 8 ' T Cell Clones Donor

CD8' cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) clones with specificity for herpes simplex virus (HSV) were derived from two donors with genital HSV-2 infection. These CIL clones specifically lysed HSV-infected autologous B lymphoblastoid cells, but not HSV-infected fibroblasts. Exogenous peptide loading sensitized both cell types to lysis by an HSV-specific ClL clone of known specificity. HSV infection rendered fibroblasts refractory to peptide sensitization. HSV infection also rendered fibroblasts and keratinocytes insensitive to lysis by allospecific CD8 + CI'L clones. Lysis of B lymphoblastoid cells in this system was only slightly reduced by HSV infection. Reduction of fibroblast allospecific lysis was dose and time dependent and was blocked by acyclovir, indicating the involvement of a late HSV gene product. HSV caused a reduction of fibroblast cell surface HLA class I antigen, at least in part due to reduction of synthesis of heavy chain-f32 microglobulin heterodimers. These results suggest that HSV-induced blockade ofantigen presentation by cutaneous cells to CD8+ CTL may be a mechanism by which HSV limits or evades the immune response of the host. (J. Clin. Invest. 1993. 91:961-968.)