Related Experiment Videos
Antibody mediated destruction of keratocytes infected with herpes simplex virus
Abstract:
The ability of complement-dependent antibody to mediate destruction of rabbit corneal cells infected with the RE and KOS strains of HSV-1 was examined. Three sources of target cells were used: BHK-21, a monitor of surface antigen expression and cell lysis; SIRC, a continuous cell line of rabbit corneal origin; stromal keratocytes, grown from the middle layer of excised rabbit corneas. Rabbits were infected intrastromally with the RE strain, which causes a high incidence of stromal keratitis, and sacrificed at designated times. Results showed that all three cell types, infected with either HSV strain, expressed surface antigens and were susceptible to lysis by antibody produced during the course of stromal disease. 51Cr-release assays showed that cytolytic antibody appeared as early as 5 days postinfection and reached maximum by day 14-20. Findings suggest a direct relationship between the in vitro demonstration of complement dependent cytolysis of infected stromal cells and the disease process in experimental animals.
Insights
Complement-dependent antibodies destroy herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infected corneal cells. This lysis mechanism is evident in rabbit stromal keratitis models, indicating its role in disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection can lead to stromal keratitis, a serious corneal disease.
- The role of complement-dependent antibody (CDA) in clearing HSV-1 infected corneal cells requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the ability of CDA to mediate the destruction of rabbit corneal cells infected with HSV-1.
- To correlate in vitro findings with the in vivo disease process of experimental stromal keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Infection of three rabbit cell types (BHK-21, SIRC, stromal keratocytes) with HSV-1 strains RE and KOS.
- Assessment of surface antigen expression and cell lysis.
- Quantification of cytolytic antibody activity using 51Cr-release assays in rabbits infected intrastromally.
Main Results:
- All tested cell types, infected with either HSV-1 strain, expressed surface antigens and were susceptible to lysis.
- Cytolytic antibody against infected cells appeared by 5 days post-infection, peaking at 14-20 days.
- A direct relationship was observed between in vitro complement-dependent cytolysis and experimental stromal keratitis.
Conclusions:
- Complement-dependent antibody-mediated lysis is a significant mechanism against HSV-1 infected corneal cells.
- This immune response is directly associated with the pathogenesis of experimental stromal keratitis in rabbits.