CELLULAR IMMUNE DEFECTS TO EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS-DETERMINED ANTIGENS IN YOUNG MALES

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 41  (11) , 4284-4291
Abstract
Three males with the X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) with hypo- or agammaglobulinemia following Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and 2 males with the chronic mononucleosis syndrone were investigated for immune responses to EBV-determined antigens. Males with XLP showed profound cellular immune defects. Markedly diminished responses of natural killer cell and interferon-activated killer cell activities and impaired leukocyte migration inhibition responses to phytohemagglutinin were determined in patients with XLP. The 2 patients with chronic mononucleosid showed less severe defects. All patients showed partial or complete impairment of their EBV-specific immune responses as measured by leukocyte migration inhibition. EBV-specific antibodies were markedly diminished against EBV-associated nuclear antigen, early antigen and viral capsid antigen in males with XLP. In contrast, patients with chronic mononucleosis had elevated antibodies to most EBV-specific antigens. Individuals with life-threatening EBV-induced lymphoproliferative disorders may exhibit multiple defective immune mechanisms against the virus.

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