MHC class Ib-restricted cell responses to Listeria monocytogenes infection

Murine infection with Listeria monocytogenes induces CD8(+) T cell response s specific for bacterial peptides that are presented on the infected cell s urface by MHC class Ia and MHC class Ib molecules. We have used MHC tetrame rs to demonstrate that CD8(+) T cells restricted by the H2-M3 MHC class Ib molecules constitute a substantial portion of the T cell response to L. mon ocytogenes infection. The in vivo size and kinetics of MHC class Ib-restric ted T cell populations suggests that they play a prominent role in bacteria l clearance following primary L. monocytogenes infection.