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Varicella-zoster Virus pp 341–357Cite as

VZV T Cell-Mediated Immunity

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Part of the book series: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology ((CT MICROBIOLOGY,volume 342))

Abstract

Primary varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection (varicella) induces VZV-specific antibody and VZV-specific T cell-mediated immunity. T cell-mediated immunity, which is detected within 1–2 weeks after appearance of rash, and consists of both CD4 and CD8 effector and memory T cells, is essential for recovery from varicella. Administration of a varicella vaccine also generates VZV-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. The memory cell responses that develop during varicella or after vaccination contribute to protection following re-exposure to VZV. These responses are subsequently boosted either by endogenous re-exposure (silent reactivation of latent virus) or exogenous re-exposure (environmental). VZV-specific T cell-mediated immunity is also necessary to maintain latent VZV in a subclinical state in sensory ganglia. When these responses decline, as occurs with aging or iatrogenic immune suppression, reactivation of VZV leads to herpes zoster. Similarly, the magnitude of these responses early after the onset of herpes zoster correlates with the extent of zoster-associated pain. These essential immune responses are boosted by the VZV vaccine developed to prevent herpes zoster.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Colorado Denver, Research Complex 2, Mail Stop 8604, 12700 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Adriana Weinberg

  2. University of Colorado Denver, Bldg. 401, Mail Stop C227, 1784 Racine St., Room R09-108, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Myron J. Levin

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  1. Adriana Weinberg
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  2. Myron J. Levin
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Correspondence to Adriana Weinberg .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Infectious Diseases and Im, Head, VZV Research Laboratory, University of Sydney, Room 601 Blackburn Building D06, Sydney, 2006, New South Wales, Australia

    Allison Abendroth

  2. School of Medicine, Dept. Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University, Pasteur Drive 300, Stanford, 94305-5124, California, USA

    Ann M. Arvin

  3. 2215 Weiskotten Hall, Upstate Medical University, East Adams Street 750, Syracuse, 13210, New York, USA

    Jennifer F. Moffat

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Weinberg, A., Levin, M.J. (2010). VZV T Cell-Mediated Immunity. In: Abendroth, A., Arvin, A., Moffat, J. (eds) Varicella-zoster Virus. Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, vol 342. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/82_2010_31

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