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Processing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Matched Blood for Alveolar Macrophage and CD4+ T-cell Immunophenotyping and HIV Reservoir Assessment
07:21

Processing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Matched Blood for Alveolar Macrophage and CD4+ T-cell Immunophenotyping and HIV Reservoir Assessment

Published on: June 23, 2019

Co-trimoxazole effect on human alveolar macrophages of AIDS patients

F Luppi, M Covi, G Velluti

    Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents
    |October 26, 2011
    PubMed

    Insights

    Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis improves Staphylococcus aureus phagocytosis and killing by alveolar macrophages in AIDS patients. This suggests co-trimoxazole enhances immune function, potentially explaining its survival benefits in HIV-infected individuals.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • HIV/AIDS Research

    Background:

    • Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis is known to reduce mortality in HIV-infected patients.
    • The exact mechanisms behind co-trimoxazole's survival benefits, particularly its impact on immune cell function, require further elucidation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the in vitro effect of co-trimoxazole on the phagocytic and bactericidal capacity of alveolar macrophages (AM) in HIV-infected patients.
    • To compare the function of AM from co-trimoxazole-treated and untreated AIDS patients with that of healthy smokers.

    Main Methods:

    • Alveolar macrophages were isolated from three groups: AIDS patients on co-trimoxazole, AIDS patients not on co-trimoxazole, and healthy smokers.
    • In vitro assays were performed to evaluate the phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus aureus by these alveolar macrophages.

    Main Results:

    • Alveolar macrophages from untreated AIDS patients exhibited significantly lower phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus aureus compared to healthy controls.
    • AIDS patients receiving co-trimoxazole prophylaxis demonstrated phagocytosis and killing levels comparable to those of healthy individuals.
    • Co-trimoxazole treatment appeared to restore the phagocytic and bactericidal functions of alveolar macrophages in AIDS patients.

    Conclusions:

    • Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis may enhance the innate immune response by improving the function of alveolar macrophages in HIV-infected individuals.
    • These findings provide a potential explanation for the observed reduction in mortality associated with co-trimoxazole use in AIDS patients.
    • The study highlights the immunomodulatory effects of co-trimoxazole beyond its direct antimicrobial activity.

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