Caspase-8-dependent control of NK- and T cell responses during cytomegalovirus infection

Caspase-8 (CASP8) impacts antiviral immunity in expected as well as unexpected ways. Mice with combined deficiency in CASP8 and RIPK3 cannot support extrinsic apoptosis or RIPK3-dependent programmed necrosis, enabling studies of CASP8 function without complications of unleashed necroptosis. These extrinsic cell death pathways are naturally targeted by murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV)-encoded cell death suppressors, showing they are key to cell-autonomous host defense. Remarkably, Casp8 – / – Ripk3 – / – , Ripk1 – / – Casp8 – / – Ripk3 – / – and Casp8 – / – Ripk3 K51A/K51A mice mount robust antiviral T cell responses to control MCMV infection. Studies in Casp8 – / – Ripk3 – / – mice show that CASP8 restrains expansion of MCMV-specific natural killer (NK) and CD8 T cells without compromising contraction or immune memory. Infected Casp8 – / – Ripk3 – / – or Casp8 – / – Ripk3 K51A/K51A mice have higher levels of virus-specific NK cells and CD8 T cells compared to matched RIPK3-deficient littermates or WT mice. CASP8, likely acting downstream of Fas death receptor, dampens proliferation of CD8 T cells during expansion. Importantly, contraction proceeds unimpaired in the absence of extrinsic death pathways owing to intact Bim-dependent (intrinsic) apoptosis. CD8 T cell memory develops in Casp8 – / – Ripk3 – / – mice, but memory inflation characteristic of MCMV infection is not sustained in the absence of CASP8 function. Despite this, Casp8 – / – Ripk3 – / – mice are immune to secondary challenge. Interferon (IFN)γ is recognized as a key cytokine for adaptive immune control of MCMV. Ifngr – / – Casp8 – / – Ripk3 – / – mice exhibit increased lifelong persistence in salivary glands as well as lungs compared to Ifngr – / – and Casp8 – / – Ripk3 – / – mice. Thus, mice deficient in CASP8 and RIPK3 are more dependent on IFNγ mechanisms for sustained T cell immune control of MCMV. Overall, appropriate NK- and T cell immunity to MCMV is dependent on host CASP8 function independent of RIPK3-regulated pathways.