Activation of the gB-specific T cells does not require the presence of viral DNA in the draining lymph nodes. Mice were killed at various times (2–48 h; N, naive) after footpad infection (A), or after flank scarification (B) and DNA isolated from the draining PLNs or pooled axillary and inguinal lymph nodes, respectively. 100 ng of DNA was amplified by PCR using HSV-1 or insulin-specific primers. DNA from the footpad of a mouse infected 24 h earlier was used as a positive control (+). A no DNA control was included to rule out contamination (−). (C) Mice receiving CFSE-labeled gBT-I.1 cells were infected with HSV-1 by footpad injection or flank scarification, and CD8 + T cells from the PLNs or pooled axillary and inguinal lymph nodes, respectively, were analyzed for the presence of proliferating cells via CFSE intensity at 48 h after infection. Histograms represent 5–10,000 live events.
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