Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals T and B cell-related immune features in foot and mouth disease virus-infected mice.

Abstract

T and B lymphocytes protect against the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV). They are essential for long-term immunity and viral clearance, but their immunological features in FMDV infection remain unknown. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and conducted integrative analyses to determine cell composition, gene expression, cell-cell communication state, and regulatory network of T and B cells in the spleen of FMDV- and mock-infected mice. Our results revealed variational compositions of immune cells on the subsets level. Additionally, we determined the reshaping of several essential pathways in T and B cells, such as the inhibition of antigen-presentation capacity. Finally, the virus-induced shaping of immune patterns, including cell-cell communication and regulatory networks, was also characterized during FMDV infection. Overall, our research provides valuable insights and resources for understanding the adaptive immune response in FMD.