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Inhibition of murine plaque-forming cell responses in vivo by ribavirin

D L Peavy, C N Powers, V Knight

    Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
    |March 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, significantly suppresses immune responses in mice. This study shows ribavirin inhibits both T-dependent and T-independent plaque-forming cell (PFC) generation and memory cell development.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Virology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Ribavirin is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent known to inhibit viral RNA and DNA replication.
    • The impact of ribavirin on the host immune system, particularly cellular immune responses, requires further elucidation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effects of ribavirin on the generation of primary plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses in vivo.
    • To determine ribavirin's influence on both T-dependent and T-independent immune responses.
    • To assess ribavirin's impact on the development of immunological memory.

    Main Methods:

    • Mice (C3H/HeJ and C3HeB/FeJ) were immunized with sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) or bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS).
    • Ribavirin was administered intraperitoneally at varying doses and time points relative to antigen exposure.
    • Splenic IgM and IgG PFC responses were quantified.
    • Nucleated cell counts were assessed.
    • In vitro secondary PFC responses were evaluated using spleen cells from treated mice.

    Main Results:

    • Ribavirin administration suppressed splenic IgM and IgG PFC responses to SRBC by 60-90%.
    • Similar inhibition was observed for T-independent IgM PFC responses to LPS.
    • The observed inhibition was dose-dependent, occurring between 0.5 and 4 mg of ribavirin.
    • Optimal suppression was achieved when ribavirin was given concurrently with or one day after antigen.
    • Suppression was not due to delayed kinetics but a reduction in PFC numbers at all time points.
    • Ribavirin treatment impaired the generation of memory B cells, as evidenced by reduced in vitro secondary PFC responses.

    Conclusions:

    • Ribavirin significantly inhibits primary B cell responses, affecting both T-dependent and T-independent antigens.
    • The drug's immunomodulatory effects extend to the inhibition of memory cell generation.
    • These findings highlight the potential for ribavirin to impact host immune functions beyond its antiviral activity.

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