THE HUMORAL IMMUNE-RESPONSE AGAINST HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS IS CHARACTERIZED BY A DELAYED SYNTHESIS OF GLYCOPROTEIN-SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES

An individual analysis of IgG antibodies against 12 known antigenic do mains of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-derived structural phospho- and glycoproteins and nonstructural polypeptides was performed. In HCMV-se ropositive healthy persons, the separate determination of antibody tit ers against the various antigens resulted in an antibody profile that was characteristic for each individual. Profiles were qualitatively st able over a period of >4 years. However, quantitative changes were obs erved in some persons. During primary HCMV infection, a delay of 50-10 0 days in the appearance of glycoprotein-specific antibodies was obser ved, whereas immunoglobulins directed against other HCMV-specific anti gens were promptly synthesized. In contrast, during reactivation or re infection, a synchronized production of antibodies was found. Levels o f glycoprotein-specific antibodies and detection of viral DNA in perip heral blood inversely correlated. Precursor B cell analyses showed no significant differences between glycoprotein-specific and phosphoprote in-specific B cells.