Cell-mediated immunity to varicella-zoster virus demonstrated by viral inactivation with human leukocytes

Cell-mediated immunity to varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus in persons immune to varicella has been demonstrated, using a tissue culture technique. Cell-mediated immunity was reflected by the ability of peripheral leukocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes) from human donors to inactivate V-Z virus. Leukocytes were stimulated by the addition of noninfectious V-Z antigen to cultures newly infected with V-Z virus. Several days leter, the V-Z virus in these cultures was titered. When leukocytes from donors immune to caricella were used, a significant decrease in V-Z titer, compared with controls, was noted. When leukocytes from donors susceptible to varicella were tested, no decrease in V-Z virus titer was found. A mixed population of lymphocytes and monocytes from immune donors was required to demonstrate inactivation of V-Z virus. The development of specific cell-mediated immunity to V-Z virus may play a role in termination of varicella and in prevention of second attacks of this disease.