Interactions between human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and influenza virus.

The effects of influenza virus A (H3N2) on several functions of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were examined. Incubation of PMN with virus induced chemiluminescence, aggregation, and degranulation of the leukocytes. The amount of chemiluminescence generated increased from 1 X 10(6) to 6 X 10(6) cpm when 2.5 X 10(6) to 2 X 10(7) virus particles were added to 2.5 X 10(6) PMN. Maximal aggregation occurred within 2 min and the response depended on the amount of virus added to the PMN. Release of acid phosphatase by virus-treated PMN was 62 +/- 12% within 1 h compared with 7 +/- 7% by control PMN (P less than 0.005). Incubation of PMN with influenza virus resulted in a diminished phagocytic activity of the phagocytes. PMN from a patient with chronic granulomatous disease were similarly affected. It was thus concluded that the observed defect in phagocytic activity was not due to the reactive oxygen species generated by the PMN during incubation with virus.