Antibody Is Required for Protection against Virulent but Not Attenuated Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

Abstract

ABSTRACT Resolution of infection with attenuated Salmonella is an active process that requires CD4 + T cells. Here, we demonstrate that costimulation via the surface molecule CD28, but not antibody production by B cells, is required for clearance of attenuated aroA Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium . In contrast, specific antibody is critical for vaccine-induced protection against virulent bacteria. Therefore, CD28 + CD4 + T cells are sufficient for clearance of avirulent Salmonella in naive hosts, whereas CD4 + T cells and specific antibodies are required for protection from virulent Salmonella in immune hosts.