Secretory antibodies in respiratory virus infections.

Local secretory antibodies represent a primary barrier of immune defence against viral infections whose portal of entry is situated at the level of the respiratory tract. Literature data are reviewed as regards the structure, site of synthesis, kinetics and mechanism of action of secretory antibodies. Stress is laid on the fact that the level of secretory IgA appears to be determinant for the course and issue of respiratory tract infections. Nasal administration of the NIVGRIP inactivated influenza vaccine prepared in the "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology results in an intense stimulation of the local synthesis of neutralizing secretory antibodies and therefore confers on vaccinees satisfactory protection against influenza virus infection.