DRAK2 regulates memory T cell responses following murine coronavirus infection

Abstract

The contribution of DRAK2 [death-associated protein kinase (DAPK)-related apoptosis-inducing kinase 2] to anti-viral memory T cell responses following infection with mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) was examined. DRAK2 is a lymphoid-enriched serine/threonine kinase that is an important regulatory molecule involved in modulating T cell responses. Memory T cells derived from MHV-immunized Drak2^{− / −} mice exhibited amplified proliferation and IFN-γ secretion following stimulation with viral epitopes. Transfer of Drak2^{− / −} memory T cells into Rag1^{− / −} mice infected intracerebrally with MHV resulted in accelerated clearance of virus from the brain. Thus, DRAK2 may be a novel target for stimulating protective immunity to viral pathogens.

• DRAK2
• virus
• T cells
• memory
• host-defense

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by National Institutes of Health grants NS41249 (T.E.L.) and AI063419 (CMW). Martina Gatzka is a Fellow of the Arthritis National Research Foundation.