title: Reduction of the number of immunocompetent cells in the acute stage of herpes zoster.
abstract: Circulating and in situ mononuclear cell subsets were phenotypically characterized during both the acute and convalescent phase of herpes zoster infections in 14 patients. In peripheral blood a significant reduction in the absolute number of Leu 4+ T cells, Leu 2a+ suppressor/cytotoxic T cells, Leu 3a+ helper/inducer T cells, Leu 7+ killer cells, and B1+ B cells were found during the acute stage compared to convalescents and normal controls. In contrast no change in the absolute number of MO2+ monocytes was seen in the acute stage of the disease. During convalescence a return to normal values in the lymphocyte subsets and killer cells was seen within 1-2 months after the initial disease presentation. In skin biopsy specimens from 4 of the 14 patients with active herpes zoster lesions the cellular infiltrate consisted of T cells (Leu 4+) the majority being helper/inducer T cells (Leu 3a+). Most of the cells expressed HLA-DR (Ia) antigens and were according to this in an activated state. The observed changes in effector and regulatory cell numbers may have implications for the acquisition of Varicella-zoster virus infections, the immune deficiency state associated with the disease, and/or the immune response to resolve the infection.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007121:Immunocompetence; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000145:classification; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006684:HLA-DR Antigens