Inhibition of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein expression by a human monoclonal antibody against VZV glycoprotein III.

Abstract

Effects of human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoproteins (gp) on VZV glycoprotein expression were analyzed by flow cytometry. Human embryonic fibroblast (HEF) cells were inoculated with cell-free VZV and cultured in the presence of human MAbs. While human MAbs directed against gpI (V2) and -II (V1) did not affect VZV expression, a human MAb against gpIII (V3) inhibited expression of VZV gpI, -II, -III, and -IV. V3 also inhibited spread of VZV from infected to uninfected cells. Interferon-alpha, -beta, and -gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were able to synergize with V3 and inhibit VZV gp expression. These results suggest that human MAb V3 may be useful for passive prophylaxis against VZV infection and for treatment of severe VZV infection.