HLA-restricted T lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against herpes simplex virus-infected cells in humans.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) against herpes simplex virus (HSV) were induced in vitro from human peripheral blood lymphocytes by stimulation with HSV antigen. CTL generated by HSV type 1 (HSV-1) antigen stimulation killed not only HSV-1-infected target cells but also HSV type 2 (HSV-2)-infected target cells, though at a lower level. This evidence suggests that CTL against HSV recognize the HSV type-specific and type-common determinants on HSV-infected target cells. These CTL were generated from high responders against HSV-1 antigen as measured by antigen-specific T lymphocyte proliferation in vitro, but not to such an efficient degree from low responders. The cytotoxic activities of CTL against the allogeneic HSV-infected target cells were high when at least one of the HLA-A or -B antigens was shared. However, the HLA-A and -B nonidentical target cells were not killed effectively. The data presented here suggest the possibility of HLA restriction of HSV-specific CTL in humans.