Differential antigen burden modulates the gamma interferon but not the immunoglobulin response in mice that vary in susceptibility to Sendai virus pneumonia

Abstract

Sendai virus, a paramyxovirus which causes murine pneumonia, grew to approximately 10-fold higher titers and was cleared less rapidly from the lungs of 129/J (12.9) than H-2(b)-compatible C57BL/6J (B6) mice. The more susceptible 129 mice also made higher titers of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) virus-specific antibody. Analysis with acutely irradiated (950 rads) mice and immunologically reconstituted hone marrow (BM) radiation chimeras indicated that the enhanced virus growth was a function of the radiation-resistant respiratory epithelium. Prolonged exposure to more virus in turn influenced the magnitude of IFN-γ production, most of which was made by CD4+ T lymphocy..