Cell-mediated immunity in Aujeszky disease virus infected pigs. I. Lymphocyte stimulation.

The appearance of cell-mediated immunity was studied in Aujeszky diseased pigs with the aid of the in vitro stimulation of sensitized lymphocytes. The first cell-mediated immunity reaction of lymphocytes occurred 4 days after infection. From day 7 to 35, the latest day tested, the reactions were most marked with lymphocytes from lymph nodes and spleen, whereas blood and thymus lymphocytes reacted less frequently; bone marrow lymphocytes showed no response. Reinfection did not considerably enhance lymphocyte reactivity. Humoral immunity was demonstrated a few days later than cell-mediated immunity. Neutralizing antibodies were first detected at day 7, reaching optimal titers at day 14. Complement fixing antibodies were detected from day 14 onward. Reinfection caused a very weak booster effect only on neutralizing antibody production. The sensitivity of the neutralization test could be enhanced up to sixfold by the addition of fresh guinea pig complement. It is concluded that cell-mediated immunity influences the early stage of infection with Aujeszky disease virus when humoral immunity is not yet demonstrable or yet rather low. Lymph nodes and spleen are apparently of special importance for the appearance of ADV-reactive lymphocytes.