Pattern of activation of human antigen presenting cells by genotype GII.4 norovirus virus-like particles

Abstract

Abstract Background Virus-like particles (VLPs) from an Italian GII.4 norovirus strain were used to investigate activation and maturation of circulating antigen presenting cells (APCs) of human origin. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from five healthy subjects were pulsed ex vivo with VLPs, and stained with a set of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for phenotypic analysis by flow cytometry. Cytokine release in cell supernatants was investigated by ELISA. Results Norovirus VLPs induced activation and maturation of circulating APCs derived from the five donors, as well as production of IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines. Conclusions The present results suggest that VLPs can activate antigen presenting cells for an efficient induction of the adaptive immune response.