Lymphocyte Receptors for Myxoviruses and Paramyxoviruses

Abstract Rat thoracic duct lymphocytes which are predominantly thymus-derived (T) cells have surface receptors for myxo and paramyxoviruses. Thus B, A(H2N2) and A(H3N2) influenza, Newcastle disease, and Sendai viruses agglutinated T lymphocytes in vitro. In contrast, the cells were not agglutinated by certain A(HON1) and A(H1N1) influenza viruses. Evidence was obtained suggesting that bone marrow-derived lymphocytes have viral receptors that were not detected on the surface of T lymphocytes. Moreover, T cell receptors for myxo and paramyxoviruses were found to differ. Fetuin, sialic acid, and periodate treatment of cells selectively inhibited lymphocyte agglutination. Also after elution of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from lymphocytes the cells were still agglutinated by influenza virus but not by NDV and Sendai virus. Similarly Sendaipretreated lymphocytes agglutinated when incubated with influenza or NDV but not when re-exposed to Sendai. It appears that specific determinants on lymphocytes mediate their interaction with viruses.