Expression of granzyme B mRNA is altered in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients.
CD8-positive cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells are the major cytotoxic components of the antiviral immune response. The major pathway used by these cells in response to viral-infected cells involves granzymes, cytotoxic granule serine proteases involved in the pathway leading to target cell DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. The levels of granzyme B mRNA in peripheral blood cells of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type-1 infected patients in comparison to noninfected individuals were assessed by quantitative competitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Expression of granzyme B mRNA is altered in HIV-1 infected patients. Significantly fewer HIV patients had detectable granzyme B mRNA levels than controls. The one HIV-infected patient with detectable granzyme B mRNA displayed a much higher level of this mRNA than all healthy controls. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity during HIV-1 infection may be impaired due to a deficient quantity of active cytotoxic granules or to their abnormal regulation.
Jaspan
Heather B
HB
Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
Gaumer
H Richard
HR
Garry
Robert F
RF
D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D053804:Granzymes; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; C509213:GZMB protein, human; D053804:Granzymes; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases