Mononucleosis and Antigen-Driven T Cell Responses Have Different Requirements for Interleukin-2 Signaling in Murine Gammaherpesvirus Infection

Abstract

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been implicated as being necessary for the optimal formation of primary CD8 + T cell responses against various pathogens. Here we have examined the role that IL-2 signaling plays in several aspects of a CD8 + T cell response against murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68). Exposure to MHV-68 causes a persistent infection, along with infectious mononucleosis, providing a model for studying these processes in mice. Our study indicates that CD25 is necessary for optimal expansion of the antigen-specific CD8 + T cell response but not for the long-term memory response. Contrastingly, IL-2 signaling through CD25 is absolutely required for CD8 + T cell mononucleosis.