Effects of Immunosuppression on Coxsackie B-3 Virus Infection in Mice, and Passive Protection by Circulating Antibody

Abstract

SUMMARY Young adult CBA mice developed lethal infections with Coxsackie B-3 virus when immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide. In the immunosuppressed mice high titres of virus and severe lesions were found in target organs, including the heart and pancreas, as well as persistent viraemia. Immunosuppressed animals showed transient production of IgM but no IgG virus neutralizing antibody; levels of interferon in peripheral blood were higher than in controls. Immunosuppressed mice could be passively protected by administration of serum antibody after infection. The results suggest that circulating antibody plays a critical role in limiting infection of young adult mice by Coxsackie B-3 virus.