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Comparative study of herpes simplex virus receptor expression on human lymphoid cells
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Virology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) binds to human lymphocytes, with receptor density increasing upon cell activation. This upregulation of HSV receptors on stimulated lymphocytes explains viral replication in activated cells, not resting ones.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Lymphocytes are crucial immune cells involved in combating viral infections.
- The expression and quantification of virus receptors on lymphoid cells remain largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for comprehending viral pathogenesis in the immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and density of herpes simplex virus (HSV) receptors on various human lymphoid cell types.
- To analyze factors influencing HSV receptor expression, including cell activation and transformation.
- To correlate HSV receptor expression with viral replication in lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry utilizing fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated HSV1 (F-HSV1) to detect virus binding.
- Analysis of virus binding specificity using monoclonal/polyclonal antibodies and heparin.
- Quantification of HSV1 receptor density on fresh, mitogen-stimulated (phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen), and lymphoid cell lines (LCL).
Main Results:
- HSV1 binds to all tested human lymphoid cell types, including those not supporting viral replication.
- Binding specificity was confirmed by inhibition with anti-HSV1 antibodies and heparin.
- Mitogenic stimulation significantly increased HSV1 receptor density on T lymphocytes and, to a lesser extent, B lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocyte activation or transformation leads to increased expression of cellular receptors for HSV1.
- The upregulation of HSV receptors on stimulated lymphocytes likely explains the preferential replication of HSV in these cells compared to resting lymphocytes.