HIV induces deletion of T cell receptor variable gene product-specific T cells.
Using a flow cytometric method, CD4+, CD8+, alpha beta TCR+ and TCR variable region gene product (TVRGP)-specific T cells were analysed in healthy heterosexual males (HHeM), HIV-seronegative homosexual males (SNHM), asymptomatic seropositive homosexual males (ASPH) and homosexual males with AIDS who were either well (AIDS-A), or unwell in hospital (AIDS-B). Total CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers were similar in HHeM and SNHM. CD4+ T cells were significantly reduced in ASPH relative to both HHeM and SNHM and in AIDS-A and AIDS-B relative to SNHM. TVRGP-specific T cells expressed as a percentage of TCR alpha beta + cells showed no significant difference in HHeM, SNHM and AIDS-B. The proportion of alpha beta + cells expressing the V beta 5.1, V beta 12 and V alpha 2 gene product (GP) was, however, significantly reduced in ASPH and AIDS-B relative to HHeM, SNHM and AIDS-A. Possible causes of TVRGP-specific T cell deletion are discussed.
Bansal
A S
AS
Department of Immunology, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Green
L M
LM
Khoo
S H
SH
Pumphrey
R S
RS
Haeney
M R
MR
Mandal
B K
BK
D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000032:analysis*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta