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T cells are sensitized during varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection and are important for control of viral spread and reactivation. In this report, we show that human keratinocytes infected with VZV inhibited upregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, MHC class II and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 after interferon (IFN)-gamma treatment. The ability of keratinocytes to upregulate MHC class I in response to IFN-alpha, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 ligand was also diminished upon VZV infection. VZV-infected keratinocytes treated with IFN-gamma had significantly reduced capacity to stimulate antigen-specific T cells compared with uninfected cells. Interference with IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and TLR-3 signalling in keratinocytes by VZV may contribute to immune evasion of the adaptive immune response.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-2230.2009.03350.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

Clin Exp Dermatol

Publication Date

12/2009

Volume

34

Pages

e941 - e944

Keywords

Herpesviridae Infections, Herpesvirus 3, Human, Histocompatibility Antigens Class II, Humans, Immune Evasion, Keratinocytes, Up-Regulation