Viral gene expression, antibody production and immune complex formation in human immunodeficiency virus infection.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigen (HIV-Ag) in polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitates and supernatants and HIV antibodies (HIV-Ab) to core and envelope antigens were studied in serial serum samples of three HIV-Ab seroconverters and 11 HIV-Ab seropositive men with a mean follow-up time of 16.1 months. In five men not progressing beyond persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) and two progressing to AIDS, HIV-Ag was detected once in 'free' configuration before HIV-Ab seroconversion and persistently or intermittently 'complexed' thereafter; in six of these men HIV core antibodies were continuously present with a declining level in one. In two men not progressing beyond PGL and five progressing to AIDS HIV-Ag was detected 'complexed' before HIV-Ab seroconversion once and persisted predominantly in 'free' configuration thereafter, while no HIV core antibody was detected in six of these men and a declining level in one. HIV-Ag was detected in 37% (14 out of 38) of HIV core antibody seropositive samples, mostly in 'complexed' form, while HIV-Ag was detected in 86% (43 out of 50) of HIV core antibody seronegative samples, mostly in both 'complexed' and 'free' configuration. Antibodies to HIV envelope antigen were detected in all HIV-Ab seropositive samples. These results indicate that the level of HIV-Ag expression is the primary determinant of detectability of HIV core antigens as well as antibodies. Enhancement of HIV-Ag expression, in a significant number of cases associated with clinical deterioration, appears to lead to clearance of HIV core antibodies in immune complexes, while HIV envelope antibody levels remain relatively unaffected.
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000032:analysis*; D006678:HIV / Q000276:immunology*; D015483:HIV Antibodies; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D015483:HIV Antibodies