Induction and expression of intestinal humoral immunity in HIV-infected individuals: prospects for vaccination against secondary enteric infections.
In view of the high incidence and severity of AIDS-related mucosal complications and secondary mucosal infections, we have evaluated the impact of HIV infection on the mucosal humoral immune status. By measuring the number of total and specific antibody-secreting cells in duodenal biopsies, we could show that HIV infection induces a pronounced polyclonal B-cell activation already in the early stages of the disease. Furthermore, we could document normal mucosal B-cell responses following oral vaccination, also in the late stages of the disease, and despite a lack of concomitant systemic responses. The relevance of these observations will be discussed with respect to the possibility of vaccinating HIV-infected individuals against secondary opportunistic infections.
Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden. kristina.eriksson@microbio.gu.se
K
K
Eriksson
A
A
Kilander
L
L
Hagberg
G
G
Norkrans
J
J
Holmgren
C
C
Czerkinsky
D016915:AIDS Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D004386:Duodenum / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology*
D016915:AIDS Vaccines