title: Selective alterations in immunoregulatory lymphocyte subsets in early HIV (human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus) infection.
abstract: In order to characterize the effects of HIV (human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus) on the immune system, Leu8- and Leu8+ subsets of CD4 and CD8 cells were studied in seropositive homosexually active men without acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Controls included both heterosexual men and HIV-seronegative homosexually active men. The decrease in CD4 levels, observed in HIV-seropositive men who were asymptomatic, as well as in those who had persistent generalized lymphadenopathy or constitutional symptoms of HIV infection, occurred proportionally in both the Leu8- and the Leu8+ CD4 subsets. This observation, that HIV infection does not selectively diminish either subset of CD4 cells, indicates that the selective loss of T cell-mediated functions which accompanies the development of AIDS is not related to preferential loss of the Leu8+ CD4 subset. Among CD8 cells, however, HIV infection resulted in a threefold elevation in the number of Leu8- CD8 cells, while the number of Leu8+ CD8 cells remained constant. The increase in Leu8- CD8 cells was present in recent seroconverters, persistently seropositive men, and patients with AIDS. We propose that the increase in Leu8- CD8 cells represents an HIV-specific cytotoxic T-cell response. These cells may operate by killing infected CD4 cells, thereby partially controlling viral infection while simultaneously contributing to the destruction of the immune system.
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface