Host protection against infectious diseases involves complex cross-regulation between the immune system and the nervous system. However, the molecular mechanisms behind this regulation remain poorly understood, particularly in the context of viral infections. Using a mouse model of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection, the inventors demonstrate a role of primary sensory neurons in regulating the antiviral innate and adaptive immune response in the skin and the skin draining lymph node. The inventors show that an excess of neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the skin inhibits the dendritic cell response, thereby limiting the priming of HSV-1-specific CD8+ T cells in the skin draining lymph node. This study reveals novel site-specific neuroimmune regulatory mechanisms controlling antiviral host defense, opening up novel therapeutic perspectives.
Thus, the present invention relates to a method of promoting CD8+ T-cell responses in
a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a myeloperoxidase inhibitor.