Immune host response to corneal grafts sensitized to herpes simplex virus

Experiments were performed to study the fate of corneal grafts sensitized to herpes antigens when grafted to HSV-sensitized hosts. Nonsensitized grafts in systemically sensitized hosts remained clear, whereas all locally sensitized grafts in systemically sensitized hosts became opaque within ten days. The stroma showed severe lymphocytic and plasma cell infiltration and neovascularization. One-half of the corneas from systemically sensitized hosts grafted to eyes previously infected opacified in an accelerated manner. Round cells were found in the stroma and endothelium. The histological reaction in both groups was similar to that found in the immune graft reaction even though the clinical picture was not typical (peripheral and progressive edema with a rejection line). The accelerated reaction was probably related to the presence of virus antigens in graft stroma and subepithelial areas of the graft. The significance of HSV-sensitized donor tissue grafted onto HSV-sensitized hosts is discussed because of its possible implication in tissue transplantation.