Cell-mediated immunity in herpetic keratitis measured by leukocyte migration inhibition.

Leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LMIF) assays have been used as a measure of cell-mediated immune responses. Direct assays of this factor were determined in 30 patients with recurrent herpes simplex stromal keratitis during the quiescent stage of the disease and in 10 of these patients during the acute stage as well. The migration of leukocytes incubated in the presence of HSV antigens was compared to that without viral antigens for the migration index (MI). Only 1 out of 30 patients had a positive response during the quiescent stage, while among the 10 patients with the active disease, four had a positive response.