B-cell reactivity in homosexuals with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL)

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is characterized by T-cell dysfunction.
• Hypergammaglobulinemia and autoimmune phenomena in AIDS suggest B-cell involvement.
• Human T-lymphotropic virus type III/Lymphadenopathy-associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV) infection may cause T-cell-independent B-cell abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate early B-cell dysfunctions in a high-risk group for AIDS.
• To compare B-cell responses in patients with Persistent Generalized Lymphadenopathy (PGL) to those with AIDS/AIDS-Related Complex (ARC) and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Examined six homosexual men with PGL and HTLV-III/LAV antibodies.
• Conducted in vitro studies on B-cell proliferation using 3H-thymidine uptake.
• Assessed B-cell differentiation by measuring immunoglobulin secretion in response to polyclonal B-cell activators (PBAs).

Main Results:

• Profound alterations in both B-cell proliferation and differentiation responses were observed in the PGL group.
• A weak B-cell response to T-cell-independent PBAs was noted.
• These B-cell dysfunctions in PGL patients were similar to those found in AIDS patients.

Conclusions:

• B-cell dysfunction in PGL patients is not solely due to T-cell defects.
• Early B-cell abnormalities are present in individuals at high risk for AIDS.
• Findings suggest a significant role for intrinsic B-cell defects in HIV infection pathogenesis.