T helper cell-independent antibody responses to the transgene product of an e1-deleted adenoviral vaccine require NK1.1 T cells

Abstract

Mice lacking CD4(+) T cells due to a knock-out mutation respond to vaccination with a replication-defective adenoviral recombinant expressing the glycoprotein of rabies virus with a long-lasting virus-neutralizing antibody response. The vaccine-induced B cells secrete antibodies that are mainly of IgG isotypes. The response can be enhanced upon booster immunization, indicating the induction of B cell memory in the absence of CD4(+) T cells. The antibody response is independent of CD8(+) T cells but requires the presence of CD3(+) cells carrying the NK1.1 markers.