Role of Macrophages and Antibody in Resistance of Mice against Yellow Fever Virus

Abstract

Adult mice were treated with silica and antilymphocytic serum before intravenous inoculation of 17D yellow fever virus. Ingestion of silica particles impaired liver macrophage function and allowed early invasion of virus into the brain. Antilymphocytic serum had no potentiating effect after i.v. inoculation of virus. Passive transfer of antibodies protected silica pre-treated mice against development of a fatal infection. These results are discussed in relation to the role of macrophages and cell-mediated and humoral immunity in protection against blood-borne virus infections.