IMMUNE-RESPONSE TO VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS GLYCOPROTEINS IN GUINEA-PIGS INFECTED WITH OKA VARICELLA VACCINE

A varicella skin test antigen has been developed based on the inductio n of delayed-type hypersensitivity to varicella-zoster vines (VZV;), a nd has been used to evaluate the immune status to VZV. The authors hav e purified gB, gE:gI and gH:gL and examined their cutaneous reactivity in guinea pigs infected with Oka varicella vaccine. The cutaneous rea ction to each glycoprotein was observed and the maturation process of cutaneous reaction was examined in infected guinea pigs. Cutaneous rea ction to gH:gL, a major tar-get of virus-neutralizing antibody, appear ed first on day 3 among three glycoprotein complexes and the reaction to gE:gI, the most abundant glycoprotein, became strongest three weeks after infection. The earliest recognition of gH:gL may contribute to minimizing the spread of viral infection. Thus, the skin test may be a suitable marker to assess the cell-mediated immunity in varicella, in cluding vaccine recipients and tester; in relation to the immune statu s of glycoproteins. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .