Evaluation of serum levels of soluble CD4, CD8 and beta 2-microglobulin in visceral human leishmaniasis.
The levels of soluble CD4 (sCD4), sCD8 and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) were measured in sera from patients with visceral leishmaniasis during the course of infection. Levels of sCD4, sCD8 and beta 2-M were raised significantly above levels in normal sera and returned to the normal range after recovery. The decrease in the levels of sCD8 was related to a reduction of anaemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. In contrast, sCD4 levels fluctuated during the period of infection. beta 2-M returned within normal range more rapidly than sCD8 secretion. Our results suggest that T cells are activated during infection, and that it is also possible that the raised levels of these soluble molecules play a role in the impairment of protective immunity.
Vitale
G
G
Institute of Medical Pathology, University of Palermo, Italy.
Mocciaro
C
C
Malta
R
R
Gambino
G
G
Spinelli
A
A
Giordano
C
C
Stassi
G
G
Arcoleo
F
F
Milano
S
S
Cillari
E
E
D000328:Adult; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000378:metabolism*
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin