[Virus induced acquired immunodeficiency: correlation with T cell mediated destruction of spleen and lymph node architecture].

Mice infected with the non-cytopathic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) develop a severe acquired immune suppression. This is caused by the elimination of virus infected antigen presenting cells by cytotoxic T cells leading to a severe destruction of the follicular organization of lymphoid organs. The impairment of immune functions may allow the virus to establish persistent infections in initially immunocompetent hosts.