Effects of antigens on mononuclear leukocyte chemiluminescence.

Influenza virus and Candida albicans allergenic extract elicit alterations in the oxidative metabolic activity of human mononuclear leukocytes (MNL). MNL preparations (greater than 96% lymphocytes, less than 4% monocytes) exposed in vitro to inactivated influenza virus displayed significantly enhanced oxidative activity, as demonstrated by luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (CL). MNL from donors who had received influenza vaccine and unimmunized donors showed similar levels of virus-stimulated CL. In contrast, MNL exposed to Candida (a macrophage dependent lymphocyte stimulator) displayed significant suppression in oxidative activity. Our findings support the hypothesis that oxidative activity holds an important role in the early events of the immune response.