Abstract
Tissue-based T cells increasingly have been shown to be important effectors in the control and prevention of mucosal viral infections – less is known about tissue-based B cells. We demonstrate that B cells and antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) are present in skin biopsies of persons with symptomatic HSV-2 reactivation. CD20+ B cells are observed in inflammatory infiltrates at greatest density at the time of symptomatic reactivation; HSV-2-specific antibodies to HSV-2 surface antigens are also detected. The concentrations of HSV-2-specific antibodies in tissue biopsies vary over the course of HSV-2 reactivation and healing, unlike serum where concentrations remain static over time. B cells and HSV-specific antibody were rarely present in biopsies of unaffected skin. Investigation of serial biopsies over the course of lesion healing suggests that B cells follow a more migratory than resident pattern of infiltration in HSV-affected genital skin, in contrast to T cells. Together, these observations may suggest a functional and distinct role of tissue-based B cells in the local immune response to HSV-2.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
Footnotes
Conflict of Interest: No conflicts of interest reported.
Funding Sources: NIH: K08 AI148588 (ESF), U19 AI113173 (ESF), P01 AI030731 (JZ, LC, AW), R01 AI042528 (JZ, LC), R01 AI134878 (JZ, LC), P30 CA015704 (core facilities), FHCRC VIDD Initiative grant (AMS)