Human T cell response to Herpes simplex virus antigen in vitro.

Herpes simplex virus type I antigen (HSV-Ag) added to T cells from individuals with clinical history of recurrent herpes labialis causes a proliferative response in vitro. This T cell response requires presensitization of the responding cell donor and will occur only in the presence of adherent cells (macrophages). The intensity of the response is closely related to the number of adherent cells present, being optimal at a ratio of 10:1 between T cells and adherent cells. Preliminary studies also indicate that the response to HVS-Ag is restricted by the HLA-D/DR determinants of the T cell donor.