title: In vitro and in vivo stimulation of murine lymphocytes by human respiratory syncytial virus strains.
abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strains of subtype A (A2, WV9894, and WV12138) and of subtype B (WV1293, WV4843, and WV6873) are mitogenic in vitro for unprimed BALB/c spleen cells. The virus also triggered splenocytes in vitro to secrete immunoglobulins. Plaque-purified and UV-irradiated materials of both RSV subtypes produced comparable levels of DNA synthesis. Infectious materials of both subtypes also induced pronounced responses. Lymphocyte activation with UV-inactivated RSV strain A2 was dose-dependent and maximal responses occurred after 4-5 days of incubation. The virus preparations were mitogenic for spleen cells depleted of T lymphocytes by treatment with anti-Thy 1.2 and complement and for lymphocytes of congenitally athymic mice (nu-nu). They were also mitogenic for highly purified T lymphocytes separated by panning of spleen cells on anti-mouse Ig-coated Petri dishes, suggesting that both B and T lymphocytes respond to the mitogenic activity of RSV. Moreover, mice infected intranasally with RSV strain A2 generated local as well as peripheral cellular and humoral responses.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude / Q000276:immunology; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays