Frequencies of memory T cells specific for varicella-zoster virus, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus by intracellular detection of cytokine expression
H. Asanuma et al., Frequencies of memory T cells specific for varicella-zoster virus, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus by intracellular detection of cytokine expression, J INFEC DIS, 181(3), 2000, pp. 859-866
Memory T cells specific for varicella-zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex vi
rus (HSV), and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) were compared in immune adults
by intracellular cytokine (ICC) detection. The mean percentages of CD4(+) T
cells were 0.11% for VZV and 0.22% for HSV by interferon (IFN)-gamma produ
ction; the frequency for HCMV was significantly higher at 1.21%, Percentage
s of VZV-, HSV-, and HCMV-specific CD4(+) T cells were similar by use of tu
mor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. HCMV-stimulated CD8(+) T cells produced IF
N-gamma (1.11%) and TNF-alpha (1.71%); VZV- and HSV-specific CD8(+) T cells
were not detectable. VZV CD4(+) T cell numbers were similar in young adult
s with natural or vaccine-induced immunity. VZV CD4(+) T cells were signifi
cantly less frequent in older adults. Secondary varicella immunization did
not increase VZV-specific CD4(+) T cell frequencies by ICC assay, Numbers o
f memory T cells specific for herpesviruses may vary with sites of viral la
tency and with hose age.