The role of chemokine receptor CXCR3 in antiviral immunity

T cells play an important role in controlling viral infections inside CNS. To study the role of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 in the migration and positioning of virus-specific effector T cells within the brain, CXCR3 deficient mice were infected intracerebrally (i.e.) with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Most CXCR3 deficient mice survived the infection, whereas wildtype(WT) mice died from CD8(+) T-cell mediated immunopathology. However, reconstitution of CXCR3 deficient mice with WT CF8(+) T cells restored susceptibility to LCMV-induced meningitis. Immunohistological analysis showed a striking impairment of CXCR3 deficient CD8' T cells to migrate from the meninges into the outer layers of the brain parenchyma. Thus, CXCR3 seems to play a critical role in the positioning of effector T cells at sites of viral inflammation in the brain.