The effect of prostaglandin E₂ on the initial immune response to herpes simplex virus infection

Numerous clinical situations, demonstrated to be associated with reactivation of herpes simplex virus infections, have also been shown to produce increases in local levels of prostaglandins. The current study was initiated to determine if prostaglandins play a role in the immune response and control of herpes simplex virus infections. Lymphocytes from volunteers were stimulated with concanavalin A, herpes simplex virus 1, or herpes simplex virus 2 in the presence of prostaglandin E₂ or ibuprofen, and the lymphocytes served as their own controls. The data suggest a statistically significant suppression in nonspecific T cell mitogen stimulation (concanavalin A), as well as specific herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 stimulations as measured by tritiated thymidine uptake by lymphocytes when stimulated in the presence of prostaglandin E₂. Ibuprofen did not alter the proliferative response to concanavalin A, herpes simplex virus 1, or herpes simplex virus 2 stimulation. This report examines the involvement of prostaglandins in herpesvirus infection such as the suppression of T cell function, allowing for a clinical recurrence. The usefulness of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents in the therapy of herpes simplex virus infections is also discussed.