Immunologic Properties of Epstein-Barr Virus-Seronegative Adults

• Published in: The Journal of infectious diseases Vol. 173; no. 5; pp. 1248 - 1251
• Main Authors: Jabs, W. J., Wagner, H. J., Neustock, P., Klüter, H., Kirchner, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago, IL The University of Chicago Press 01.05.1996; University of Chicago Press; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Adult; Antibodies, Viral - blood; B lymphocytes; Biological and medical sciences; Blood; Blood Cell Count; Concise Communications; Cytokines; Epstein Barr virus infections; Epstein-Barr virus; Female; Herpesviridae Infections - immunology; Herpesvirus 4, Human - immunology; Human viral diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Interferon-alpha - biosynthesis; Interferon-gamma - biosynthesis; Interferons; Interferons - biosynthesis; Interleukin-6 - biosynthesis; Interleukins - biosynthesis; Leukocytes; Lymphocyte Subsets; Lymphocytes; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Monokines; T lymphocytes; Tumor Virus Infections - immunology; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids; Viruses; Gammaherpesvirinae; Human; Antibody; Alpha interferon; Herpesviridae; Cytokine; Epstein Barr virus; Virus; Interleukin 6; Interleukin 2; Immunological investigation; Adult; Seronegativity; Gamma interferon
• ISSN: 0022-1899; 1537-6613
• DOI: 10.1093/infdis/173.5.1248

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) seronegativity is rare in people >20 years old. However, some persons remain EBV-seronegative for nearly their whole lives. The aim of this study was to examine properties of the immune system of EBV-seronegative adults that could contribute to long-term EBV seronegativity. Therefore, differential blood cell counts and lymphocyte subpopulations were determined, and the production of interferon (IFN)-α and -γ and interleukin (IL)-6 and -2 in a whole blood assay was investigated. Whereas no differences in the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations between EBV-seronegative and -positive adults were found, a significant higher percentage of monocytes in EBV-seronegative adults was observed. Significantly more IFN-α and IL-6 were detected in culture supernatants of EBV-seronegative persons after stimulation with Newcastle disease virus. In contrast, no differences in the induction of the lymphokines IFN-γ and IL-2 were seen. These data suggest that faster and higher production of IFN-α and IL-6 may protect EBV-seronegative adults against EBV infection.