title: B-cell reactivity in homosexuals with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL).
abstract: In addition to the well known T-cell dysfunctions in AIDS, hypergammaglobulinaemia and autoimmune phenomena indicate an involvement of the B cell as well. Reports of HTLV-III/LAV-infected B cells suggest T-cell-independent B-cell abnormalities. To look for early B-cell dysfunctions, we examined a high-risk group of AIDS consisting of six homosexuals with PGL and HTLV-III/LAV antibodies, comparing these data to those of patients with AIDS/ARC and a normal control. In vitro studies included the B-cell proliferation response (3H-thymidine uptake) to Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I and the differentiation response (Ig secretion into culture supernatants) to T-cell-dependent/-independent polyclonal B-cell activators (PBAs). Profound alterations were found in both the proliferation and the differentiation responses. The weak response even to T-cell-independent PBAs indicates a B-cell dysfunction that is not due only to a T-cell defect in patients with PGL, similar to that observed in AIDS.
mesh_terms: D000386:AIDS-Related Complex / Q000276:immunology*; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004261:DNA Replication; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M