Effector T Lymphocytes Present in Demyelinating Lesions Induced by Theiler's Virus

Abstract
Theiler's virus causes chronic primary demyelination associated with viral persistence in SJL/J mice. We have investigated the effector functions of T lymphocytes isolated from inflammatory brain lesions to detect a local immune dysfunction associated with viral persistence. In vitro, CD4+ T cells induced B-lymphocyte proliferation and antibody secretion; CD8+ T cells had cytolytic activity. Therefore, Theiler's virus persistence does not include local immune unresponsiveness.