Anti-prion activity of cellulose ether is impaired in mice lacking pre T-cell antigen receptor α, T-cell receptor δ, or lytic granule function

•Immune system roles in the anti-prion action of cellulose ether (CE) are unknown.•CE effect is impaired by pre T-cell antigen receptor α deficiency or thymectomy.•CE effect is also impaired by TCRδ deficiency or lytic granule dysfunction.•The αβ T-cell lineage, B cells or TLR4 signaling pathway do not affect CE effect.•Interaction between NKT and γδ T cells may be involved in the action of CE.