Mycoplasma contamination of membrane associated measles antigens. Inability to demonstrate in vitro lymphocyte responsiveness to measles

Cell-mediated immunity to viral antigens and tuberculin in multiple sclerosis

Lymphocyte transformation responses to measles, mumps, herpes simplex and parainfluenza virus antigens and purified protein derivative of tuberculin were determined in both 78 normal controls and 40 patients with multiple sclerosis, 16 of whom were studied serially. Patients with multiple sclerosis showed significantly reduced responses to all antigens except herpes simplex. Impaired responses occurred at all stages of clinical activity, but were lowest during recovery from an acute exacerbation or in patients with chronic disease. The transformation responses to measles, mumps and parainfluenza virus antigens correlated significantly with the numbers of circulating T cells, which, similarly, showed parallel fluctuations with disease activity.

Syncytia inhibition by immune lymphocytes: in vitro test for immunity to canine distemper

A simple and rapid (24-h) assay for peripheral blood lymphocyte-associated immunity to canine distemper virus (CDV) is described. The test is based upon leukocyte-associated inhibition of CDV-induced syncytia formation in Vero cells. The technique quantitates the response morphologically, thereby eliminating the requirement for release of radiolabeled compounds. Positive results were determined from specific-pathogen-free and gnotobiotic dogs exposed to CDV via hyperimmunization, vaccination with a modified live virus vaccine, and after virulent virus infection. Preinoculation lymphocytes and lymphocytes from non-immune dogs did not inhibit CDV-induced syncytia formation. Maximum responses were observed 7 to 21 days after initial exposure and declined thereafter. The method can be used to further investigate the role of immune lymphocytes in the recovery from CDV infection.

The demonstration of cell-associated immunity to viruses. In vitro lymphocyte responsiveness to Varicella-zoster antigen

The demonstration of in vitro lymphocyte responsiveness to common pediatric viruses has previously been fraught with many technical and conceptual problems. Based upon our prior experience in demonstrating cell-associated immunity to mumps, rubella and measles viruses we illustrate our methodology and conceptual framework by documenting in vitro lymphocyte responsiveness to the Varicella-zoster virus, another ubiquitous virus of childhood. We discuss our approach to the problems of reactivity, specificity and reliability in the use of membrane-associated viral antigens.