Cell-mediated immunity to varicella-zoster virus infection in subjects with lymphoma or leukemia

Normal subjects and patients with lymphoma or leukemia were tested for the levels of lymphocytes, E-rosette--forming T-cells, serum and vesicle fluid interferon, and specific in vitro proliferative response to varicella-zoster antigen after clinical varicella or herpes zoster illness. The effect of polyinosinic acid/polycytidilic acid on the immune response was also evaluated. The development of VZ specific cell-mediated response in normal subjects was characterized by intense proliferative activity eight to ten days after the onset of illness, with significant decline 70 to 80 days later. The responses in subjects with lymphoma or leukemia were much lower. Few subjects with chickenpox or zoster with lymphoma or leukemia died during the infection. Death was associated with significant depletion of E-rosette--forming T-cells, and grossly deficient specific cellular response to VZ antigen. Treatment with Poly IC frequently induced elevations in serum as well as vesicle fluid interferon levels, and increased the proliferative activity of lymphocytes against VZ antigen.