Regional T- and B-cell responses in influenza-infected ferrets

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Abstract
Ferrets were infected with A/Port Chalmers/73 influenza virus and the T[thymus-derived]- and B[bone marrow-derived]-cell responses in the spleen, lymph nodes draining the upper and lower respiratory tract and lung washings were examined in vitro. Lymphocyte responses were measured by using a hemolytic plaque assay for B cells and a proliferation assay for T cells. Virus and antibody levels were measured in respiratory tract washings, and antibody titers were measured in sera from infected animals. Individual B cells secreting specific antibody to A/Port Chalmers/73 virus were detected in regional lymph node and spleen preparations as early as 3 days and as late as 43 days after infection. T-cell assays showed an in vitro response of lymph node cells to A/Port Chalmers/73 virus from day 6-43. Virus was isolated from the respiratory tract up to 7 days after infection. Serum hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody was first detectable on day 6, with maximum titers reached by day 10. Antibody production and cellular immune responses were detectable at regional sites at a time when virus was still present and before serum antibody was measured.