Immune recovery under highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with restoration of lymphocyte proliferation and interferon-gamma production in the presence of Toxoplasma gondii antigens.
The in vitro lymphocyte proliferative response (LPR) and interferon (IFN)-gamma production in the presence of Toxoplasma antigen were evaluated in 97 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-infected patients with CD4 cell counts of <100 cells/microL (group 1), currently >300 cells/microL but previously <100 cells/microL (group 2), or always >300 cells/microL (group 3) and in 28 non-HIV-infected blood donors (group 4), all seropositive to Toxoplasma. In group 2, 81% of patients had a positive LPR, versus 20% in group 1 (P<10(-3)). IFN-gamma production was greater in group 2 than in group 1 (922 vs. 0 Deltapg/mL; P=10(-4)). Multivariate analysis found a significant association between a positive LPR to Toxoplasma antigen and a CD4 count >300 cells/microL (odds ratio [OR], 16.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3-50.2) and anti-Toxoplasma IgG titer >150 IU/mL (OR, 5; 95% CI, 1.6-15.2). Immune reconstitution under highly active antiretroviral therapy was associated with a restoration of immune responses against Toxoplasma.
Fournier
S
S
Department of Infectious Diseases, Saint Louis Hospital, Paris, France. sandra.fournier2@libertysurf.fr
Rabian
C
C
Alberti
C
C
Carmagnat
M V
MV
Garin
J F
JF
Charron
D
D
Derouin
F
F
Molina
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000276:immunology*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host / Q000276:immunology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology*
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D007371:Interferon-gamma