Resistance to intracerebral challenge in mice immunized against herpes simplex virus.

  • 1 October 1972
    • journal article
    • Vol. 53  (5) , 529-39
Abstract
The resistance of mice to intracerebral inoculation of herpes simplex virus has been studied. Normal mice showed no natural resistance and died from acute necrotizing encephalitis. Active immunization by peripheral inoculation of virus produced some degree of protection against intracerebral inoculation. Evidence from histological studies and from passive antibody transfer experiments suggested that this intracerebral protection was mediated by cells rather than by circulating neutralizing antibody. All peripherally immunized mice developed inflammatory lesions in the brain following intracerebral challenge, but in many mice these lesions gave rise to no clinical signs of encephalitis. Following survival from intracerebral challenge all mice became solidly resistant to further intracerebral inoculation and no lesions developed in the brain following such inoculations, even when high doses of virus were given. The possibility of central immunity is discussed.