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HIV-1-specific cellular immune responses among HIV-1-resistant sex workers
K R Fowke1, R Kaul, K L Rosenthal
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. fowkekr@cc.umanitoba.ca
Immunology and Cell Biology
|December 15, 2000
Summary
Certain HIV-1 resistant women exhibit specific T-cell responses, including T-helper and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity. These findings suggest that cellular immunity plays a role in protecting against Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- High-risk populations, such as sex workers, are crucial for understanding HIV-1 resistance.
- Some individuals demonstrate natural resistance to HIV-1 infection despite significant exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate HIV-1 specific cellular immune responses in a cohort of HIV-1 resistant women in Nairobi.
- To determine if T-helper and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses correlate with protection against HIV-1 infection.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 24 HIV-1 resistant women from a larger cohort for immunological evaluation.
- Assessed T-helper responses via Interleukin-2 (IL-2) production after stimulation with HIV-1 envelope peptides and gp120.
- Determined CTL responses by measuring the lysis of autologous EBV-transformed B cell lines infected with HIV-1 recombinant vaccinia viruses.
Main Results:
- Resistant women showed significantly higher HIV-1 specific T-helper responses compared to controls (P < 0.01).
- HIV-1 specific CTL responses were detected in 68.2% of resistant women, versus 0% in low-risk controls (P < 0.001).
- CTL activity in resistant individuals was mediated by CD8+ effectors.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of HIV-1 resistant women possess demonstrable HIV-1 specific T-helper and cytotoxic T-cell responses.
- These cellular immune responses are likely contributors to the observed protection against HIV-1 infection.