[Natural immunity and herpes infection].

The review details natural immunological factors that are the first-line protection from herpes simplex virus. These reactions may be conventionally divided into 3 active phases. In Phase 1, the virus is attacked by proteins, such as complement of precursors of natural class M (IgM) antibodies and antimicrobial peptides. In Phase 2, the interferons produced by infected epithelial and resident dendritic cells go into action. And, finally, in Phase 3, effector cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells, show antiviral activity.

[In vitro inhibition of the cytopathic action of herpes simplex virus, type 1, with a natural cytokine complex].

The antiviral action of a natural cytokine complex (NCC)--the preparation Superlymph and its peptide antimicrobial fraction (AMF)--in the culture of Vero cells infected with type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), strain VR-3, was studied. The NCC preparation did not alter the morphology of the cells for 6 days and was not toxic for the culture of Vero cells. The NCC and AMF produced a protective antiviral effect, which was manifested by the inhibition of the cytopathic action (CPA) of the virus. In the presence of the preparation, the CPA of HSV-1 was equal to 10(-4.67) ICPD50, while in the control CPA was equal to 10(-5.60). The fraction containing antimicrobial peptides (protegrins) and isolated from NCC, characterized by the method of mass spectrometry, produced the maximum antiviral effect on the cell strain Vero (10(-4.58) ICPD50). Thus Superlymph, an immunomodulator with antiviral activity, could be regarded as an effective preparation for the treatment of HSV infection. The action of such preparation was aimed at the inhibition of the CPA of the virus and the stimulation of the antiviral protective mechanisms of the cell.