Cell-mediated immunity to varicella-zoster virus measured by virus inactivation: mechanism and blocking of the reaction by specific antibody.

The process whereby varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus is inactivated in vitro by immune human peripheral blood leukocytes stimulated with V-Z antigen was examined. It was found that stimulation of leukocytes by V-Z antigen, but not by other viral antigens, was required for inactivation of V-Z virus to occur. Viral inactivation could be blocked by addition of V-Z antiserum to either the stimulation phase of the reaction or the inactivation phase, further demonstrating the specificity of the reaction.

Cell-mediated immunity to varicella-zoster virus infection in subjects with lymphoma or leukemia.

Normal subjects and patients with lymphoma or leukemia were tested for the levels of lymphocytes, E-rosette--forming T-cells, serum and vesicle fluid interferon, and specific in vitro proliferative response to varicella-zoster antigen after clinical varicella or herpes zoster illness. The effect of polyinosinic acid/polycytidilic acid on the immune response was also evaluated. The development of VZ specific cell-mediated response in normal subjects was characterized by intense proliferative activity eight to ten days after the onset of illness, with significant decline 70 to 80 days later.

Antibody to varicella-zoster virus after passive immunization against chickenpox.

Antibody titers to varicella-zoster virus were measured in varicella-susceptible immunocompromised children 48 h after they received either one of two lots of zoster immune globulin (ZIG) or a selected lot of immune serum globulin (ISG). Globulin was given to modify varicella in these children after exposure to varicella or zoster. Indirect immunofluorescence antibody titers (FAMA) of children after receipt of globulin ranged from less than 1:2 to 1:32.

Varicella-zoster virus. Prospects for active immunization.

A live attenuated varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus vaccine has been developed and tested by Dr. M. Takahashi and his colleagues in Japan.

Immune adherence hemagglutination: further observations on demonstration of antibody to varicella-zoster virus.

The immune adherence hemagglutination test for measurement of antibody to varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus is well suited to performance in a routine serology laboratory. This test is useful in assessing susceptibility to varicella, measuring antibody to V-Z virus in globulin preparations, and evaluating some effects of passive immunization. Since the complement-fixation test for antibody to V-Z virus lacks sensitivity and the fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen test is not readily available, the immune adherence hemagglutination test may be of practical value in patient management.

Antibody to Varicella-Zoster virus in parturient women and their offspring during the first year of life.

A nursery outbreak of varicella is reported. Serum from 200 parturient women and 131 of their offspring were studied for antibody to varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus to analyze their immunity to varicella. Antibody titers were measured by the sensitive fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) technique.

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

Cell-mediated immunity to varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus in persons immune to varicella has been 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.

Detection of antibody to Varicella-Zoster virus by immune adherence hemagglutination.

A serologic test for measurement of antibody to V-Z virus by immune adherence hemagglutination is described. Initial evaluation of the test has shown it to be highly sensitive, specific, rapid, and simple to perform. The V-Z antigen may be stored at -70 degrees, and the test could be performed in any routine serology laboratory.

Should patients with zoster receive zoster immune globulin?

Zoster developed in 55 patients, and 15, generalized disease occurred. Twelve of 14 patients with dissemination had prompt appearance of both complement-fixing (CF) antibody and fluorescent antibody against varicella-zoster (VS) membrane antigen (FAMA). The geometric mean titers of VZ antibody from the first to the fifth and the sixth through the tenth days following onset of zoster were similar in patients with localized and generalized involvement.

Seroepidemiologic survey of varicella: Value of specific fluorescent antibody test.

The sensitive varicella-zoster fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (V-Z FAMA) test was used in a seroepidemiologic survey of two outbreaks of varicella involving 30 children. The attack rate of varicella based on clinical observations alone was 60%. The attack rate based on clinical and serological observations lay between 78% and 82%, after excluding those children who had detectable antibody at the time of exposure.

Varicella-Zoster Immunoglobulins during Varicella, Latency, and Zoster.

Antibodies to membrane antigens of cells infected by varicella-zoster virus were detected by immunofluorescence. Rises in varicella-zoster IgA, IgG, and tigM were detected after both varicella and zoster. Prompt antibody responses were observed in patients with generalized zoster as well as in those with localized zoster.