Virus-specific immunoglobulin G subclasses in herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus infections

The subclass specificities of antiviral immunoglobulin G (IgG) produced in response to herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus infections were investigated. IgG1 and IgG3 with anti-herpes simplex virus activity were seen in patients with primary and reactivated disease, as well as in healthy seropositive subjects and in immunoglobulin preparations. IgG4 was occasionally seen alone or together with IgG1 and IgG3 in patients. In varicella, IgG3-specific antiviral antibodies were predominant, whereas in zoster, IgG1 was the dominant subclass.