IGG Subclass and Isotype Specific Immunoglobulin Responses to LASSA fever and Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis: Natural Infection and Immunication

Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis VEE specific Immunoglobulin responses to the two vaccines TC83 a live-attenuated vaccine and C-84 a Formalin inactivated vaccine derived from the TC-83 strain were evaluated using an antigen and isotype specific enzyme-linked immunoted sera from individuals previously immunized. Initial experiments demonstrated that nonspecific binding in the IgG, IgG2, IgA, IgM assays was a significant problem in data interpretation. Preparations of a negative control Tissue Culture Media derived antigen were utilized to further standardize the assays. All assays were standardized in methodology and in relation to a uniform reference curve where available. Initial screening of 28 sera demonstrated the presence of predominantly VEE-Specific G1 and G3 subclasses, no G4 and eratic, predominantly low level G2. IgA and IgM responses were also demonstrated in the sera of subjects who received the TC-83 vaccine as well as in the response to a C-84 booster vaccine. Lassa Fever specific antibody assay development was delayed by the lack of availability of the antigen. Keywords Togavirus, Arenavirus, Hemorrhagic fever.