pDC produce IFN-I and activate NK cells during systemic HSV-2 infection.

<p>CLEC4C-DTR Tg mice were depleted (DT) or not (PBS) of pDC then infected i.v. with HSV-2 (5×10⁶ pfu). (A) Serum IFN-α, IFN-γ and IL-12p70 levels were measured 8 h p.i. (B) Serum IFN-α levels at 12 h p.i. in control and pDC-depleted mice. Frequencies of IFN-γ-producing NK cells (NK1.1⁺CD3⁻) (C, D) and CD107a⁺ NK cells (E) in spleens were determined 12 h p.i. (F) PBS and DT-treated mice were infected i.v. with different doses of HSV-2. Survival was monitored for 15 days. Data are representative of two independent experiments. Statistical significance is indicated by <i>p</i> values. Not significant (NS).