Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes from HIV-infected individuals recognize an activation-dependent, non-polymorphic molecule on uninfected CD4+ lymphocytes.
OBJECTIVE
Correlation of lysis of autologous CD4+ target cells by cytotoxic lymphocytes from HIV-seropositive patients to target activation, viral replication, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction.


METHODS
Twenty-two HIV-infected patients were evaluated for lysis of activated CD4+ cells, concurrent with measurement of proliferation of the target cells, and with viral replication.


METHODS
Titrated standard 51Cr-release assays for specific effector-to-target cell recognition, blocking antibodies and cell depletion for cell characterization, incorporation of [3H]-thymidine for proliferation, and p24 antigen capture assays for viral replication.


RESULTS
HIV-infected patients had cytotoxic lymphocytes capable of recognizing activated CD4+ target cells in a non-MHC-restricted manner. The lysis depended on the degree of target activation, and was independent of viral replication.


CONCLUSIONS
This cytolytic activity is unique to HIV-infected patients, and is suggestive of activation-induced cell death that may contribute to the progressive depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes during HIV pathogenesis.
Bienzle
D
D
Department of Pathology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Smaill
F M
FM
Rosenthal
K L
KL
D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24 / Q000276:immunology; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D009500:Neutralization Tests; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D014779:Virus Replication
D016655:HIV Core Protein p24; D008934:Mitogens