Related Experiment Videos
Evidence for activation of complement in patients with AIDS related complex (ARC) and/or lymphoadenopathy syndrome
R Perricone1, L Fontana, C de Carolis
1Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
Insights
Patients with AIDS-related complex (ARC) and lymphadenopathy syndrome (LAS) exhibit impaired complement system activity. This acquired complement deficiency may hinder the body's ability to fight HIV infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The complement system is crucial for immune response.
- HIV infection can impact immune function.
- AIDS-related complex (ARC) and lymphadenopathy syndrome (LAS) are stages of HIV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complement system's status in patients with ARC and/or LAS.
- To determine if complement activation pathways are affected in these patients.
- To explore the relationship between complement function and HIV progression.
Main Methods:
- Studied 16 patients with ARC and/or LAS.
- Assessed classical and alternative complement pathway activity.
- Measured complement factors and cleavage fragments (C3, B).
Main Results:
- 62.5% of patients showed impaired classical and/or alternative complement pathway activity.
- Presence of C3 and/or B cleavage fragments indicated pathological complement activation.
- Complement activation was more severe in ARC than LAS patients, and in drug abusers versus homosexuals.
- Significant reduction in many complement factors was observed.
Conclusions:
- Patients with ARC/LAS demonstrate pathological complement activation, suggesting an 'acquired complement deficiency'.
- This deficiency may compromise the immune system's ability to combat HIV.
- Findings highlight the complement system's role in HIV pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
Abstract:
The complement system was examined in 16 patients with AIDS-related complex (ARC) (n = 5) and/or lymphoadenopathy syndrome (LAS) (n = 11). Of these patients 62.5% showed an impairment of classical and/or alternative pathway activity associated with the presence of cleavage fragments of C3 and/or B and a significant reduction of many complement factors. The data indicate pathological complement activation in these patients through the classical and/or alternative pathway. Complement activation was more severe in patients with ARC than in those with LAS, and greater in drug abusers than homosexuals. The lack of efficient complement in the patients can be considered an 'acquired complement deficiency' with possible importance in the failure to combat the HIV attack.