Objective: To investigate the correlagon between rubella Jrus (RuV) antigen in peripheral Jymphocytes, the im mLine status and RuV infection in the central nervous system (CNS). Metbods: BALB/c mice were used as a model and treated with immunoaffecting medicines. Then, the mice were infected with RuV via the abdominal cavity, and the antigen lever in peripheral lymphocytes was examined 1.3, 7 and 14 days postinfection. RuV in the CNS was detected by immunohistocbemical meth ods. BALB/c mice were given dexamethasone and cytoxan before infection with the RuV JR23 strain. Immune functions and RuV invasion of the CNS were assayed on day 21 postinfection via the abdominal cavity, and their relationship was analyzed. Results: The mean antigen