Cell mediated immunity to varicella zoster virus demonstrated by viral inactivation with human leukocytes

Abstract

Cell mediated immunity to varicella zoster (V Z) virus in persons immune to varicella demonstrated, using a tissue culture technique. Cell mediated immunity was reflected by the ability of peripheral leukocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes) from human donors to inactivate V Z virus. Leukocytes were stimulated by the addition of noninfectious V Z antigen to cultures newly infected with V Z virus. Several days later, the V Z virus in these cultures was titered. When leukocytes from donors immune to varicella were used, a significant decrease in V Z titer, compared with controls, was noted. When leukocytes from donors susceptible to varicella were tested, no decrease in V Z virus titer was found. A mixed population of lymphocytes and monocytes from immune donors was required to demonstrate inactivation of V Z virus. The development of specific cell mediated immunity to V Z virus may play a role in termination of varicella and in prevention of second attacks of this disease.