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Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
Published on: July 9, 2014
Immunology of Varicella Immunization in the elderly
1School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53706, USA.
Objective:
To review the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and herpes zoster disease and to summarize published reports on the use of the live-attenuated varicella zoster vaccine to enhance cell-mediated immunity in elderly individuals.
Data Source:
A MEDLINE search (1966-August 1999) for English-language clinical studies and review articles pertaining to VZV and the live-attenuated varicella vaccine was conducted; references obtained from these publications were subsequently reviewed for additional relevant articles.
Study Selection And Data Extraction:
Representative clinical trials were summarized and relevant information was selected to assist in the understanding of VZV, the subsequent immune response, and the live-attenuated varicella vaccine.
Data Synthesis:
The physiologic, age-related decline in VZV cell-mediated immunity has been shown to be restored on administration of live-attenuated varicella vaccine. Various studies report serum anti-VZV antibody concentrations, and production of interferon-gamma were increased following vaccination. Concentrations subsequently returned to baseline one year after vaccination. Increase in responder cell frequency, a measure of cell-mediated immunity, has been reported to last up to four years after vaccination, at concentrations similar or superior to those observed following herpes zoster.
Conclusions:
Enhancement of cell-mediated immune response in elderly individuals through vaccination with live-attenuated varicella vaccine is a possible measure to protect this population from herpes zoster and to attenuate its complications. A summary of immunogenicity studies to identify the immune response to live-attenuated varicella vaccine in the elderly is presented. The absolute clinical significance, as well as appropriate administration guidelines of this prophylactic intervention, will become evident following forthcoming large, masked, placebo-controlled trials.
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