MHC Class II Expression Restricted to CD8α+ and CD11b+ Dendritic Cells Is Sufficient for Control of Leishmania major

Abstract

Control of the intracellular protozoan, Leishmania major, requires major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II)–dependent antigen presentation and CD4⁺ T cell T helper cell 1 (Th1) differentiation. MHC II–positive macrophages are a primary target of infection and a crucial effector cell controlling parasite growth, yet their function as antigen-presenting cells remains controversial. Similarly, infected Langerhans cells (LCs) can prime interferon (IFN)γ–producing Th1 CD4⁺ T cells, but whether they are required for Th1 responses is unknown. We explored the antigen-presenting cell requirement during primary L. major infection using a mouse model in which MHC II, I-A_β^b, expression is restricted to CD11b⁺ and CD8α⁺ dendritic cells (DCs). Importantly, B cells, macrophages, and LCs are all MHC II–negative in these mice. We demonstrate that antigen presentation by these DC subsets is sufficient to control a subcutaneous L. major infection. CD4⁺ T cells undergo complete Th1 differentiation with parasite-specific secretion of IFNγ. Macrophages produce inducible nitric oxide synthase, accumulate at infected sites, and control parasite numbers in the absence of MHC II expression. Therefore, CD11b⁺ and CD8α⁺ DCs are not only key initiators of the primary response but also provide all the necessary cognate interactions for CD4⁺ T cell Th1 effectors to control this protozoan infection.