Cytokine production in varicella-zoster virus-stimulated lymphocyte cultures

Neurology. 1995 Dec;45(12 Suppl 8):S38-40. doi: 10.1212/wnl.45.12_suppl_8.s38.

Abstract

Among varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-immune adults aged 20 to 35 years, T lymphocytes producing interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in response to a VZV antigen stimulus are eight times more numerous than those making interleukin-4 (IL-4). In persons over 55 years old, the frequency of IFN-gamma-making cells falls while the number of IL-4-making cells remains roughly constant. The persistence of IL-4-making cells may contribute to the maintenance of IgG antibodies to VZV with aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunization
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-4 / biosynthesis*
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma