Alteration in T lymphocyte sub population in lambs experimentally infected with contagious pustular dermatitis virus

The present investigation was carried out to determine the role of CD₄+, CD₈+ T cells and MHC class II + cells in the peripheral blood of lambs experimentally infected with CPD virus. A group of five lambs serologically negative for CPD virus antibodies were infected with CPD virus scab suspension whereas three lambs were kept as control group. The alteration in proportions of immune component cells (CD₄+, CD₈+ and MHC II+) was studied in peripheral blood collected at weekly intervals from lambs of both the groups hy indirect immunoperoxidase staining method using subset specific monoclonal antibodies. A significant rise in proportions of CD₄+ T lymphocytes was detected on day 7, 14 and 21 post infection. The significant rise in CD₈+ T lymphocytes was observed on day 14 and 21 post infection. The proportions of MHC II+ cells were found to be significantly higher on day 7 post infection. The role of these findings is discussed.