Solid-phase radioimmunoassay of human immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 1 capsid, envelope, and excreted antigens

Abstract

A solid-phase radioimmunoassay developed for detection of human viral immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies was applied to demonstrate human class-specific antibody response against capsid, envelope and excreted antigens of herpes simplex virus type 1. In primary infections a clear IgM and IgG antibody response was found predominantly against the envelope components; the IgM and IgG antibodies to the capsid antigen appeared more slowly. Increasing IgG antibody titers to the excreted antigen were also found in primary infections, though appearing more slowly than antibodies to the other subunit antigens. The antibody response against capsid and envelope antigens was not type specific; in primary infections IgG antibodies against the excreted antigen showed distinct type specificity. In recurrent infections no significant level of IgM antibodies was demonstrated, but in the patients with a severe secondary herpes simplex virus infection a definite IgM antibody response was found against the envelope antigen. During severe secondary infections the antibody response against the excreted antigen was enhanced. The host IgG antibody response in recurrent infections was directed against the envelope and excreted antigens; the level of the capsid antibodies was relatively stable. [Diagnostic value of antibody changes during primary and secondary HSV infections is discussed.].