Cell-bound and circulating IgE antibody to herpes simplex virus.

Mice immunized with ultraviolet-inactivated herpes simplex virus (HSV) or injected with infectious virus developed IgE-specific antibody to HSV. Cell-bound IgE was detected by measuring the release of histamine from peritoneal mast cells challenged in vitro with virus antigens. Circulating IgE antibody was detected by sensitizing rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL-2H3) cells with sera from HSV-immunized mice and then challenging these cells with virus or control antigens to release histamine. IgE antibody may contribute to the pathogenesis of virus infections.