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

Infect Immun. 1978 Oct;22(1):189-94. doi: 10.1128/iai.22.1.189-194.1978.

Abstract

Ferrets were infected with A/Port Chalmers/72 influenza virus and the T- and B-cell responses in the spleen, in lymph nodes draining the upper and lower respiratory tract, and in 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/72 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 to day 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. These results demonstrated that antibody production and a cellular immune responses were detectable at regional sites at a time when virus was still present and before serum antibody was measured.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / biosynthesis
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Carnivora / immunology*
  • Ferrets / immunology*
  • Hemolytic Plaque Technique
  • Influenza A virus / growth & development
  • Influenza A virus / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral