Fig 12. Schematic representation of MCMV escape from the LN subcapsular sinus.

Most virions in the afferent lymph are captured by SSM, but some infect FRC. In the absence of IFN-I (a), FRC infection is highly productive, SSM infection rather less so. Virions are released into the LN to infect new FRC and myeloid cells, and also back into the lymph flow, whence they can reach the blood. To counter this (b), IFN-I from SSM capturing virions inhibits infection in both SSM and FRC. pDC also produce IFN-I. They may receive infected cell debris and cytokines via the FRC conduits. Inflammatory mediators also recruit NK cells to kill infected FRC. Thus MCMV propagation is largely suppressed.