Dendritic cells are associated with augmentation of antigen sensitization by influenza A virus infection in mice

++ T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were also increased. These changes were not observed in animals only sensitized with OA or only inoculated with the virus. In animals only inoculated with the virus, DC were immunohistochemically detected on the bronchial epithelium on days 2‐5. With OA inhalation after virus inoculation, DC with high expression of MHC class II were retained for 5 weeks. These results show that influenza virus infection induces the migration of DC to the bronchial epithelium, and that simultaneous inhalation of antigen causes the loading of antigen-peptide/class II molecule complex on DC. Thus, the migration of DC in viral infection may play some role in the augmentation of antigen