Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
09:26
In Vitro Assay to Evaluate the Impact of Immunoregulatory Pathways on HIV-specific CD4 T Cell Effector Function
Published on: October 16, 2013
An immune-based assay for HIV disease management
R Kowalski1, J Woodcock, P Sottong
1Cylex Inc., 8980-I Old Annapolis Rd., Columbia, MD 21045, USA. rkowalski@cylex.net
American Clinical Laboratory
|August 17, 2001
Summary
Accurate HIV patient monitoring requires assessing cell-mediated immunity (CMI) beyond CD4+ T cell counts and viral load. An in vitro CMI test offers a rapid method to better reflect a patient's clinical status and guide treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection impacts the immune system, particularly CD4+ T cells.
- Current HIV monitoring relies on CD4+ T cell counts and viral load, which can be discordant with clinical progression.
- Accurate assessment of immune function is crucial for effective HIV management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for direct measurement of immune function in HIV patients.
- To introduce the in vitro cell-mediated immunity (CMI) test as a valuable tool.
- To emphasize the role of CMI testing in complementing existing HIV monitoring parameters.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing an in vitro cell-mediated immunity (CMI) assay.
- Assessing the correlation between CMI test results and clinical status.
- Comparing CMI test utility against CD4+ T cell counts and viral load.
Main Results:
- CD4+ T cell counts and viral load may not always align with a patient's clinical course.
- The in vitro CMI test provides a rapid assessment of cell-mediated immunity.
- CMI testing can offer a more accurate reflection of a patient's immunological status.
Conclusions:
- Direct measurement of immune function is necessary for comprehensive HIV patient monitoring.
- The in vitro CMI test is a valuable adjunct for assessing cell-mediated immunity.
- CMI testing improves the accuracy of clinical management for individuals with HIV.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...