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Activated lymphocytes during acute Epstein-Barr virus infection
B E Tomkinson1, D K Wagner, D L Nelson
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01605.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection causes significant immune stimulation, with activated CD8 T cells being the most prominent. Elevated soluble interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2R) indicate a strong immune response in EBV patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is commonly caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
- The immune response during acute EBV infection involves lymphocyte activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the immune cell populations and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) levels during acute EBV infectious mononucleosis (IM).
- To investigate the correlation between activated lymphocytes and IL-2R levels in EBV infection.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to identify and quantify activated lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD16+) expressing HLA-DR.
- Serum levels of soluble IL-2R were measured in patients with acute IM and compared to normal controls.
Main Results:
- Activated lymphocytes, including cytotoxic/suppressor (CD8) T cells, helper (CD4) T cells, and natural killer (CD16) cells, were significantly elevated in acute IM patients.
- CD8 T cells constituted the largest activated population (24.5%).
- Serum IL-2R levels were significantly higher in acute IM patients and correlated with increased activated CD8 T cells.
Conclusions:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) induces intense immune stimulation during acute infectious mononucleosis (IM).
- Activated lymphocytes, particularly CD8 T cells, play a major role in the immune response to EBV.
- Elevated IL-2R levels serve as a marker for immune activation in EBV infections, especially in severe cases.