Antigen-specific T cells localize to the uterine cervix in women with genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infection

Genital reinfection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is uncommon in humans, The mechanism of acquired immunity is unknown. Because the cervix is a site of HSV exposure, we measured antigen-specific T cell responses to HSV in cervical lymphocytes during both lesional and nonlesional time peri ods. Cells were expanded without secondary in vitro stimulation with antige n. Proliferative and cytotoxic responses to HSV were detectable in specimen s from most subjects. Limiting dilution assays showed a high frequency of a ntigen-specific cells. Cytotoxic T cell responses included both CD4 and CD8 components. Responses were present both during and between symptomatic inf ection episodes and persisted during suppressive antiviral therapy. Natural infection with HSV-2 is associated with a persistent cervical mucosal cell ular immune response. This local response may possibly assist in limiting t he clinical consequences of secondary HSV-2 infection, whether due to endog enous reactivation or exogenous reinfection.