Cell surface antigens induced by herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Among the antigens induced by HSV on the surface of infected cells there are antigens binding anti-HSV antibodies by their combining (Fab) site (HSV-Ag), and others binding antibodies of various specificities, probably through their Fc fragment (IgR). HSV-Ag were demonstrated by cytotoxicity and mixed agglutination tests; IgR were made evident by passive hemadsorption. The ability to induce IgR is especially characteristic of HSV-1 strains, being absent or limited with HSV-2 strains. IgR were not detected on the surface of cells infected by other viruses, such as poliovirus 1, adenovirus 3, measles or vaccinia virus or by viruses belonging to the herpes group (e.g. cytomegalovirus and pseudorabies virus). The ability of bovine infectious rhinotracheitis virus to induce IgR was only slightly expressed. The practical implications of both HSV-Ag and IgR for the techniques aimed at detecting antigens induced by HSV on the surface of infected cells are further discussed.