Interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12, and interferon-gamma production in primary and memory immune responses to varicella-zoster virus.

Varicella immunization provided the opportunity to examine the kinetics of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-gamma production elicited during primary in vivo sensitization with proteins of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a common human herpesvirus. VZV-specific IFN-gamma release and T cell proliferation were elicited by immunization and persisted through 15 months of follow-up. The induction of VZV-specific T cells and IgG antibodies was accompanied by transient increases in IL-10 and IL-12 production. T cell proliferation to VZV was significantly lower in adults at 15 months than in vaccinated children or naturally immune subjects and correlated with lower IFN-gamma responses in individual vaccinees. After primary immunity was induced, continued IL-12 production was not necessary to maintain the predominant Th1-type response elicited by VZV. Cytokine profiles observed during primary in vivo sensitization to VZV suggest that parallel increases in IFN-gamma and IL-10 may be important in the induction of immunity to some viral pathogens.