Specific antibody synthesis in vitro. III. Correlation of in vivo and in vitro antibody response to influenza immunization in young and old subjects.
Young and elderly volunteers received a trivalent influenza vaccine and blood samples were obtained prior to, 1 week and 3 weeks after immunization. Plasma antibody levels and the capacity for in vitro lymphocyte synthesis of specific anti-influenza antibody were assessed. Additionally, prior to immunization, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured in the presence of antigen, and the capacity for in vitro immunization was determined. Antibody response was therefore measured after in vivo and in vitro immunization. After in vivo immunization, plasma antibody level and in vitro synthesis capabilities were significantly greater in the young subjects, and these assays correlated significantly. The capacity for in vitro immunization was also greater in the young, but the difference did not reach statistical significance and there was no correlation with in vitro immunization potential and the response after in vivo vaccination. Assessment of in vitro antibody synthesis after vaccination however, may prove a useful tool for probing immune deficient states and testing the success, in vitro of various immune reconstitution measures.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D007252:Influenza Vaccines