Cell-mediated immunity in herpes corneal stromal disease.

Regional draining lymph nodes (RDLN) from rabbits with herpes virus disciform keratitis (defined as corneal edema or corneal edema with concomitant epithelial lesions) were tested for general as well as specific immune cap-city. Although general RDLN immune capacity did not seem to be impaired, specific reactivity to herpes antigens was found only in those rabbits which presented with disciform keratitis and concomitant epithelial lesions; specific reactivity to herpes antigens was not found in those animals which presented with disciform edema alone. Additionally, the unilateral nature of the RDLN immune response during ocular infections of unequal severity was demonstrated.