Binding and internalization of herpes simplex virus-antibody complexes by polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Herpetic stromal keratitis is an ocular disease caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
• The role of inflammatory cells, specifically polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), in the pathogenesis and resolution of herpetic stromal keratitis is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interactions between rabbit PMN and HSV-1.
• To elucidate the role of PMN in controlling HSV infection, particularly in the context of herpetic stromal keratitis.

Main Methods:

• Studied interactions between rabbit PMN and the RE strain of HSV-1 in vitro.
• Utilized electron microscopy to visualize PMN-HSV interactions.
• Quantified binding of radiolabeled HSV-antibody complexes to PMN (using 125Iodine or 35S-methionine for virus labeling, and 125Iodine for antibody labeling).
• Assessed the effect of complement preincubation on PMN activity.

Main Results:

• PMN were found to be nonpermissive for HSV-1 replication.
• PMN did not bind free HSV-1 but effectively bound and internalized HSV-antibody complexes.
• Binding of immune complexes to PMN was enhanced by preincubation with complement.
• Consistent binding patterns were observed across different radiolabeling methods for virus and antibody.

Conclusions:

• PMN play a significant role in controlling HSV infection.
• PMN exert control through the binding and ingestion of virus-antibody complexes.
• These findings highlight the immune system's mechanisms in managing herpetic infections.