Rescue of anti-influenza A virus cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses in chemotherapy-suppressed mice.

The administration of cyclophosphamide (50 to 100 mg/kg) at 48 to 72 h before removal of murine lung or spleen mononuclear cells for culture rendered DBA/2 mice incapable of generating an effective cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to influenza A virus-infected cells. The cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursor frequency to influenza A virus in lung and spleen cells from cyclophosphamide-treated mice was significantly decreased when compared with that of normal littermate controls. The low cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity in the lungs and spleens of cyclophosphamide-treated mice could be partially restored in vitro by human interleukin 2.