Influence of Cortisone on Experimental Viral Infection. II. Effects on Antibody Formation and Acquired Immunity. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1) The formation of neutralizing and hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies was suppressed by cortisone administered during infection of mice with influenza A viruses. 2) Suppression of antibody was dependent on prolonged administration of cortisone and was not effected by large doses given at the onset of infection. 3) Acquired active immunity induced by infection of mice with avirulent virus was partially surmounted by administration of cortisone with a challenge inoculum of virulent virus. 4) Cortisone in doses insufficient to suppress antibody formation induced lesions and persistence of pulmonary virus following challenge of mice with previously acquired immunity.