Human lymphocyte cytotoxicity against target cells infected with influenza A viruses of both recent and old strains.
In vitro measurement of lymphocyte cytotoxicity (LC) reflects one aspect of human cell-mediated immunity against influenza. We studied peripheral blood LC against target cells infected with 1 of 3 strains of influenza A virus; these represent both recent and old strains. Positive LC responses were obtained in 94 % of subjects. Responses were significantly greater against the older strains, A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1) and A/PR/8/34 (H0N1), than against A/England/42/72 (H3N2). LC reactivity occurred even in the absence of detectable HAI antibody titers. These results showed that positive LC responses to a variety of influenza A strains are common in normal adults and suggested that LC may be a more sensitive indicator of previous influenza exposure than conventionally measured HAI antibodies.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006382:Hemadsorption; D006385:Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D008875:Middle Aged
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral