Determination of BHV1 specific immune reactivity in naturally infected and vaccinated animals by lymphocyte proliferation assays

• Published in: Veterinary immunology and immunopathology Vol. 25; no. 3; p. 259
• Main Authors: Rutten, V P, Wentink, G H, de Jong, W A, van Exsel, A C, Hensen, E J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 01-07-1990
• Subjects: Animals; Antibodies, Viral - blood; Cattle; Cells, Cultured; Herpesvirus 1, Bovine - immunology; Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis - immunology; Lymphocyte Activation - immunology; Lymphocytes - immunology; Neutralization Tests; Phenotype; Vaccination; Viral Vaccines - administration & dosage
• ISSN: 0165-2427
• DOI: 10.1016/0165-2427(90)90049-X

The in vitro BHV1-specific lymphocyte stimulation assay was used to investigate immune reactivity of cattle after natural infection or vaccination with BHV1. Proliferative responses to live virus were shown in tests with peripheral blood lymphocytes of seropositive field virus-infected animals and of vaccinated animals. Nineteen out of 36 seropositive field virus-infected animals did not show in vitro responses. Nine out of 12 animals showed, at least transient, responsiveness after vaccination. Antibody titers were maintained throughout the observation period. T cell activity is believed to play a role in protection against BHV1 infection. The in vitro proliferative assay, however, can not discriminate between BHV1 seropositive and seronegative field virus-infected animals. After vaccination, the BHV1-specific lymphocyte responses of at least one animal disappeared. Both observations may point to the fact that T cell memory is generated, or at least systemically present, to a limited extent.