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Decreased accessory cell function by human monocytic cells after infection with HIV
A J Petit1, M Tersmette, F G Terpstra
1Central Laboratory, Netherlands Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Amsterdam.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection impairs the accessory cell function of monocytes. This immune system defect in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) may contribute to early HIV-related immunologic abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects immune cells, leading to immune dysfunction.
- Monocytes/macrophages are key players in immune responses and serve as HIV reservoirs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of HIV infection on the accessory cell function of the human monocytic cell line U937.
- To determine if HIV-infected monocytes contribute to immune system abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Infection of U937 cells with HIV (strain HTLV-IIIB).
- Assay of accessory cell function in T cell proliferation assays (anti-CD3 mAb and Con A).
- Measurement of reverse transcriptase activity, Fc receptor (FcR) expression, and interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression.
Main Results:
- HIV infection of U937 cells led to a significant decline in accessory cell function within 3 weeks.
- This defect correlated with reverse transcriptase activity and was not due to decreased FcR expression.
- Reduced IL-2R expression on T cells was observed, and the defect was only partially corrected by IL-2 or IL-1.
Conclusions:
- HIV-infected monocytes (acting as antigen-presenting cells, APCs) exhibit impaired accessory cell function.
- This dysfunction in APCs may contribute to the immunologic abnormalities seen in early HIV infection.
- Monocytes are crucial targets for HIV, affecting immune system function beyond serving as viral reservoirs.