Related Experiment Videos
HSV-specific IgA from tears blocks virus attachment to the cell membrane
R Malaty1, B M Gebhardt, R M Franklin
1Lions Eye Research Laboratories, LSU Eye Center, New Orleans 70112.
Current Eye Research
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in tears prevents herpes simplex virus (HSV) from attaching to cells. This finding highlights IgA
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can affect the ocular surface.
- The role of tear antibodies in ocular HSV protection is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of tear immunoglobulin A (IgA) in protecting the ocular surface from HSV attachment.
- To determine if IgA in tears neutralizes HSV or inhibits viral adsorption.
Main Methods:
- Tears were collected from HSV-infected and uninfected rabbits.
- Tear samples were analyzed for infectious virus, viral neutralization titer, and anti-HSV antibodies using ELISA.
- Purified IgA from tears was tested for its ability to block radiolabeled HSV attachment to cells.
Main Results:
- Tears from infected rabbits showed viral neutralization capacity and contained anti-HSV antibodies (ELISA).
- Purified IgA from infected rabbit tears significantly reduced HSV binding to cells.
- IgA from uninfected rabbits had minimal effect on viral attachment.
Conclusions:
- Tear IgA plays a crucial role in inhibiting HSV attachment to ocular surface cells.
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody in tears is implicated in the protective immunity against HSV at the ocular surface.