title: Tissue-associated cytokine expression in HIV-positive persons with oropharyngeal candidiasis.
abstract: Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), caused by Candida albicans, is the most common infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive persons. Although CD4(+) T cells are considered to be important for host defense against C. albicans at the oral mucosa, a recent immunohistochemical evaluation of T cells in OPC lesions of HIV-positive persons with reduced CD4(+) T cells showed high numbers of CD8(+) T cells. The present study investigated tissue-associated expression of cytokine and chemokine mRNA at the site of infection. Results showed some effects of HIV (primarily increased chemokine mRNA levels) but little effect of blood CD4(+) T cells. In contrast, mRNA for several proinflammatory, T helper, and CD8(+) T cell-associated cytokines and chemokines were increased in subjects with OPC versus those without. These results support the presence of CD8(+) T cells in OPC lesions and suggest evidence for a response against OPC, despite reduced levels of CD4(+) T cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and School of Dentistry, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Lilly
authors.forename: Darrenn J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: Janet E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Leigh
authors.forename: Shannon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hager
authors.forename: Kelly M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: McNulty
authors.forename: Donald E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Mercante
authors.forename: Paul L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Fidel
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000276:immunology; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000276:immunology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger