Resistance to Herpes Simplex Type 2 Virus Induced by an Immunopotentiator (Pyran) in Immunosuppressed Mice

Abstract

BALB/c female mice depleted of T lymphocytes by adult thymectomy, lethal irradiation, and bone marrow reconstitution (TXB mice) are approximately 10 times more susceptible than normal mice to i.v. or intravaginal infection with herpes simplex virus type 2. Treatment with the immunopotentiator pyran is effective in protecting both normal or TXB mice against lethal infection with the herpes virus. The results suggest a possible role for immunopotentiator-activated macrophages in the increased resistance afforded mice by treatment with pyran.