In vitro lymphocyte reactivity to rubella antigen following vaccination.

In vitro lymphocyte stimulation and several serological tests were used to study the development of immunity after subcutaneous immunization with attenuated rubella virus. Maximal lymphocyte reactivity was obtained 3--4 months after vaccination and a decline after 1.5--2.5 years. Lymphocyte reactivity following natural immunity was of a higher magnitude. No correlation between the degree of lymphocyte stimulation and titers of neutralizing, hemagglutination inhibiting and hemolysis-in-gel antibodies was observed. The influence on the results of some methodological factors and different rubella antigens is discussed.