STRESS AND THE MEMORY T-CELL RESPONSE TO THE EPSTEIN-BARR-VIRUS IN HEALTHY MEDICAL-STUDENTS

This study investigated the memory T-cell proliferative response to se veral early and late Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) polypeptides. Blood samp les were collected twice, 1 month before a 3-day block of examinations and again on the last day of the exam series. Ss were 25 healthy. EBV seropositive medical students. The proliferative response to 5 of the 6 EBV polypeptides significantly decreased during examinations. In ad dition, Ss high (above the median) in seeking support, as measured by the COPE, had tower proliferative responses to 3 EBV polypeptides (p17 , p52/50, and p85), as well as higher levels of antibody to EBV virus capsid antigen. The data provide further evidence that psychological s tress can modulate the cellular immune response to latent EBV.