Enhancement of Human Herpesvirus 6 Replication in Adult Human Lymphocytes by Monoclonal Antibody to CD3

Abstract

The effect of monoclonal antibody to CD3 on human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) replication was assessed in adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) by anticomplement immunofluorescence and Southern blot hybridization. Infection of CBMC by HHV-6 was productive; however, little or no infection was observed with PBMC from adults exposed to the virus even if stimulated by phytohemagglutinin. Monoclonal antibody to CD3 strongly enhanced HHV-6 replicative cycles in PBMC from adults.