Interaction of influenza A virus with human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes cultured in the presence of phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, or pokeweed mitogen were exposed in vitro to influenza A virus. The synthesis of several virus-specific proteins, including the nucleoprotein, membrane protein, and nonstructural 1 protein were detected, although no infectious virus was produced by the lymphocyte cultures. Evidence was obtained that only a subpopulation of mitogen-transformed cells would support virus protein synthesis. A comparison of the interactions of influenza A virus with lymphocytes from normal individuals and from rheumatoid arthritis patients showed that the same range of virus-specific proteins were made, in similar quantities, regardless of the source of lymphocytes.