HLA-DR expression in liver in human HIV infection.
In order to clarify the relationship between HLA-DR antigen expression in the liver and human HIV infection, we studied 66 non-autopsy specimens obtained from HIV-infected patients with and without AIDS; 33 biopsies from HIV-negative patients were considered for control purposes. All biopsies were immunohistochemically tested with monoclonal antibody TAL-1B5, reacting with the alpha-chain subunit of HLA-DR in the avidin biotin complex method. We found occasional and usually weak HLA-DR expression on hepatocytes and biliocytes. By comparison with controls, HIV-positive cases showed a significantly higher percentage of HLA-DR immunoreactivity on hepatic artery and portal vein endothelial cells. No relationship was demonstrated between HLA-DR endothelial expression and the CD4+ lymphocyte count or grade of portal/periportal inflammation in the liver. The biological significance of HLA-DR expression on intrahepatic vascular endothelial cells in HIV infection still remains to be clarified.
Guido
M
M
Cattedra di Istochimica ed Immunoistochimica Patologica, Università di Padova-Servizio di Anatomia Patologica ULSS 19 Cittadella, Padova, Italy.
Rugge
M
M
Rocchetto
P
P
Fattovich
G
G
Murer
B
B
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000378:metabolism
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens