Expansion of CD60 helper lymphocytes detected in peripheral lymphocytes of HIV-1 infected individuals is not paralleled in lymph nodes.
OBJECTIVE
A significant expansion of CD8 cells with capability of Th2 type helper function had been observed in hemophiliacs with HIV infection. These cells were characterised by the surface co-expression of CD8 and CD60 antigen. Our objective was to investigate this lymphocyte subset in relation to other subsets in homosexuals and drug users in two compartments: blood and lymph nodes. Blood and lymph nodes from not HIV-infected persons served as control.


RESULTS
CD8+CD60+ cells were expanded in perpheral blood of HIV - infected patients as compared to age matched controls (10.0 versus 4.1%, p <0.05). This difference was not observed in lymph node cell suspensions (6.2 vs. 4.3% of all lymph node cells; p = n.s.). The CD 4/CD8 ratio was significantly less impaired in lymph nodes than in blood (2.27 vs. 0.83; p <0.05). Cytotoxic T cells were more abundant in the lymph nodes of patients with early stage HIV disease when compared two late stage patients (4.3 vs 2.1%; p <0.05). Immunohistochemistry on frozen lymph node cuts showed presence of CD60 cells mainly in the interfollicular and paracortical area. In 3 of 10 HIV infected patients these cells were also found in the germinal centers. In controls no CD60 cells were detected in the follicles. Numbers and percentages of CD60 cellls and CD8+CD60+ cells in blood and in lymph nodes did not correlate with HIV - stage, CD4 count or plasma viral load. No correlation with lymph node viral load was seen.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data confirm that like in hemophiliacs expansion of CD8+CD60+ is also found in the blood of other HIV risk groups and seems not to be specific for hemophiliacs. However, the higher percentage in peripheral blood is not paralleled in lymph nodes. Redistribution phenomena seem to be the most plausible explanation. According to these data, a major impact of CD8+CD60+ cells in the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection does not seem likely.
Bogner
J R
JR
Med. Poliklinik, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, D-80336 Munich, Germany. jobogner@pk-i.med.uni-muenchen.de
Gruber
R
R
Steckmeier
B
B
Goebel
F
F
Rieber
E P
EP
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis*; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000821:virology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000821:virology; D018858:Germinal Center / Q000166:cytology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology* / Q000821:virology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology* / Q000821:virology; D019562:Viral Load
D015703:Antigens, CD