Latent CMV and EBV infections and the mobilization of viral-specific and senescent T-cells with exercise (102.6)

Abstract

Abstract Exercise mobilizes senescent T-cells into the blood but the impact of latent CMV and EBV infections on this response is unknown. This study aimed to determine if: (1) CMV or EBV specific T-cells are mobilised in response to exercise; and (2) the impact of CMV and EBV on the exercise-responsiveness of senescent T-cells. 24 healthy males (age 28.5 ± 5) completed a 30-min cycling protocol at 85% of maximum power. PBMCs isolated before, immediately after and 1hour after exercise were labelled with MHC class I Pentamers specific to CMV (pp65) or EBV (LMP-2) and assayed for Naïve (KLRG1-/CD28+/CD57-), effector-memory (KLRG1+/CD28+/CD57-) and senescent (KLRG1+/CD28-/CD57+) surface markers. Exercise increased CMV and EBV-specific T-cell numbers by 158% and 200% respectively, and altered the proportions of senescent (+44%) and naïve (-20%) CD8+ T-cells. CMV+ had a greater (+136%) proportion of senescent and a lower (-33%) proportion of naïve CD8+ T-cells compared to CMV-, and demonstrated a greater egress of senescent T-cells in response to exercise. Senescent markers on both CMV and EBV-specific T-cells increased with exercise (+53% and +76% respectively). To conclude, CMV and EBV specific CD8+ T-cells are mobilized into blood with acute exercise and those infected with CMV demonstrate a greater relative egress of senescent T-cells during exercise recovery. Future work will determine the potential impact of exercise in altering senescent T-cell frequency in those infected with CMV