title: Modulation of cell-mediated immune response by steroids and free fatty acids in AIDS patients: a critical survey.
abstract: The overall data presented in this review show that cortisol and free fatty acids, in particular long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, each have immunoinhibitory properties on lymphoblastic transformation of certain T lymphocytes. This effect is enhanced when the two factors are associated. These data could explain in part the immunosuppression observed in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients where enhanced concentrations of cortisol and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been observed. The mechanisms which relate the action of the human immunodeficiency virus to the disturbance of steroidal hormonemia and lipid metabolism are discussed. The knowledge of these mechanisms would lead to new therapeutic measures against immunosuppression. These new weapons could be the administration of diets or treatments (liposomes) modifying the lipid profile of circulating cells and/or viruses and the utilization of hormonal therapy in AIDS and in some types of cancer which often present a biologic picture similar to that of AIDS.
authors.affiliation: INSERM U 224, Faculté et Hôpital X.-Bichat, Paris, France.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Nunez
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D000917:Antibody Formation; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008954:Models, Biological; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D006854:Hydrocortisone