Passive transfer of anti-HSV-1 IgG protects against stromal keratitis in mice.

Cellular immune mechanisms are felt to play a primary role in modulating responses to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, but the role of anti-HSV antibody is less clear. We first investigated the effects of passive transfer of murine serum containing anti-HSV antibody and then fractionated IgG subclasses on the development of HSV stromal keratitis in mice. Both immune sera and fractionated IgG's from these sera were effective in preventing stromal keratitis in susceptible mice. Non-IgG immunoglobulins and other serum proteins are unnecessary and inadequate in transferring protection; transfer of sera depleted of IgG had no influence on the development of keratitis. These results suggest an important role for anti-HSV antibody in modulating destructive corneal responses to HSV.