Cell-Mediated Immune Responses in Patients with Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infections

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus antigen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and production of leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LMIF) and lymphocyte-derived interferon were studied in normal individuals and patients with recurrent Herpes labialis and Herpes progenitalis. Virus-specific lymphoproliferative responses were regularly detected in patients with recurrent infection irrespective of the clinical stage of infection. In contrast, transient deficiencies in herpes-specific lymphoid production of both LMIF and interferon were regularly documented at the time of and immediately before herpes simplex-induced vesicular eruptions. During convalescence, pronounced production of these mediators in response to antigenic stimulation with inactivated virus antigen preparations was regularly detected. The biology of these fluctuations in lymphokine production is evaluated and discussed.