POSSIBLE ROLE FOR POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES IN DEFENCE AGAINST RECRUDESCENT HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS-INFECTION IN MAN

Abstract

A 51Cr release assay was used to demonstrate that human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) can damage herpes simplex virus (HSV) infected target cells sensitized with antiviral antibody. Effective sensitizing antibodies were found in serum and saliva of all those persons tested who were subject to recurrent cold sores. PMNL were much less effective as killer cells than peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but since they are the predominant inflammatory cell within the HSV1 lesion, they may be quantitatively more important. The cytotoxic effects of PMNL and mononuclear cells were significantly reduced by prostaglandin E1 and by several drugs that were tested. Antibody dependent PMNL-mediated cytotoxicity may play a role in the human host defenses against recrudescent herpes simplex infection.