Expression of major histocompatibility complex antigens, and kinetics of infiltrated lymphocytes in murine herpetic keratitis
Uno, T.; Hayashi, K.; Ohashi, Y.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 97(4): 441-447
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-0203 PMID: 8391205 Document Number: 417037
Immunohistochemical techniques were used to study expression of HSV-1 antigen, induction of class I and II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, and infiltration of L3T4+ and Lyt2+ cells were analyzed during the acute phase of herpetic keratitis. The results were as follows: 1) HSV-1 antigens were detectable in the corneal epithelium at 2 days post infection (p.i.), then localized in the stroma after 5 days p.i.. 2) Class I MHC antigens (H-2d) were evenly expressed in all layers of infected as well as uninfected corneas. On the other hand, class II MHC antigens (Iad) were induced in the superficial corneal stroma 2 days p.i., then gradually spread in the entire corneal stroma with increased intensity. 3) L3T4+ (helper/inducer) cells penetrated the stroma at 2 days p.i.. These cells infiltrated the central stroma at 5 days p.i.. Lyt2+ (suppressor/killer) cells were first seen in the corneal stroma as late as at 5 days p.i.. These results imply that L3T4+ cells play a role in the early immunological events concerning class II MHC antigens and viral antigens, both concomitantly expressed in the corneal stroma.