Reconstitution of long-term T helper cell function after zidovudine therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 12 asymptomatic patients infected with immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 4 patients with AIDS were analyzed before and during therapy with zidovudine for T helper cell (Th) function. Th function improved by more than fourfold to one or more of three stimuli tested in 9 (75%) of 12 asymptomatic patients on zidovudine therapy and in 3 of 4 patients with AIDS. Only 6 (7.4%) of 80 untreated HIV-infected control patients showed spontaneous improvement in Th function (P less than 10(-6)). Improved Th function was detected as early as 5 weeks into therapy in 6 patients and continued to be evident for greater than 1 year after start of therapy in 6 patients and for greater than 2 years in 2 patients. No correlation was observed between improved Th function and changes in CD4+ or CD8+ cell numbers or in levels of serum HIV p24 antigen or beta 2-microglobulin. These results suggest inclusion of in vitro Th function as a useful marker in determining the efficacy of antiretroviral drug therapy of HIV-infected patients.
Clerici
M
M
Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Landay
A L
AL
Kessler
H A
HA
Phair
J P
JP
Venzon
D J
DJ
Hendrix
C W
CW
Lucey
D R
DR
Shearer
G M
GM
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24 / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D015215:Zidovudine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D015215:Zidovudine