Varicella-zoster virus-specific immunity after herpes zoster.
The frequency of varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific T lymphocytes was higher in elderly subjects who had herpes zoster infections than in age-matched controls. This increase in T cell response persisted for at least 2 years while antibody levels to VZV returned to control values at this time. There were no differences in T cell or antibody responses to VZV between individuals with and without postherpetic neuralgia. Elderly subjects who had not had herpes zoster had a comparable increase in VZV-specific T responder cell frequency after immunization with Oka strain VZV. The data suggest that the potential for a boost in T cell response to VZV persists in the elderly, and that immunization can elicit a T cell response in this age group.
Hayward
A
A
Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262.
Levin
M
M
Wolf
W
W
Angelova
G
G
Gilden
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000276:immunology*; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007074:Immunoglobulin G