Functional impairment of CD4 T cells despite normalization of T cell number in HIV.
Using an in vitro model, we demonstrate that when CD4 T cells from HIV infected subjects are enriched from total blood lymphocytes the immune response to antigen is augmented. However, augmentation of this response is confined to HIV infected subjects with relatively preserved CD4 T cell counts. Enriching for CD4 T cells had no effect on antigen responses in patients with low CD4 lymphocyte counts. These findings support the concept that CD4 T cells in late stage HIV have inherent qualitative defects.
Knox
Kenneth S
KS
Pulmonary Division, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Day
Richard B
RB
Kohli
Lisa M
LM
Hage
Chadi A
CA
Twigg
Homer L
HL
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D015215:Zidovudine / Q000494:pharmacology
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D015215:Zidovudine