Immunohistochemical study of the local inflammatory response to chlamydial ocular infection.

Immunohistochemical staining of conjunctival biopsies from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) was performed after they received a single primary ocular infection, a single secondary challenge infection, or repeated ocular inoculations with Chlamydia trachomatis. T cells of the suppressor/cytotoxic (OKT8F) phenotype predominated regardless of the infection protocol, and perifollicular T lymphocytes of both the suppressor/cytotoxic and helper (OKT4A) phenotypes appeared in large numbers during the peak inflammatory reaction. In repeatedly inoculated monkeys, T cells and follicles persisted until cessation of reinfection. IgM-bearing B lymphocytes comprised the majority of cells within follicles, with smaller numbers of IgG- or IgA-positive B cells. The major difference in the response to the various infection protocols was the increased number and persistence of follicles with repeated reinoculation. The finding of large numbers of T-suppressor/cytotoxic and T-helper cells in the infected conjunctiva supports a role for cell-mediated immunity in the local response to C. trachomatis ocular infection.