Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) restores allostimulatory function to accessory cells in patients with AIDS.
BACKGROUND
Impaired allostimulatory function of dendritic cells in patients with AIDS has been reported previously. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) can restore the T-cell stimulatory function in transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1)-inhibited murine accessory cells. We now report the effect of intravenous recombinant human GM-CSF (rhGM-CSF) on accessory cells of HIV-infected patients.


METHODS
The in vivo effect of GM-CSF on allostimulatory function of accessory cells was evaluated. Seventeen individuals with AIDS received a single infusion of rhGM-CSF (125 mg/m(2) over 120 minutes). Samples of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were taken at 1, 5, and 24 hours after infusion, and the allostimulatory capacity was measured.


RESULTS
A single bolus infusion of rhGM-CSF resulted in significantly increased accessory cell function in 13/17 (88%) patients at one or more assayed time points after infusion.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the administration of rhGM-CSF can potentially restore allostimulatory function to accessory cells in HIV-infected patients, and this presents a novel way of immune reconstitution. Clinical significance of this approach of immune reconstitution in AIDS patients warrants further investigations.
Bernstein
Zale P
ZP
Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York 14263, USA.zale.bernstein@roswellpark.org
Brooks
Stephen P
SP
Chanan-Khan
Asher
A
Gollnick
Sandra O
SO
Gilbert
Mark J
MJ
Miller
Kena C
KC
Tomasi
Thomas B
TB
D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000276:immunology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor