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Mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leucocyte dysfunction in male homosexuals with the acquired immunodeficiency
Abstract:
In addition to the well-documented abnormalities of cell-mediated immunity we have observed that both polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs) and mononuclear leucocytes (MNLs) from 3 patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) showed markedly defective migratory responsiveness to leuko-attractants in vitro. Reduced PMNL and MNL chemotaxis is attributable, at least in part, to a serum inhibitor of leucocyte migration, since co-incubation of PMNLs from healthy control subjects with 10% AIDS serum inhibited the migration to leuko-attractants of these cells. This serum-inhibitory effect on leucocyte migration was not due to the presence in AIDS serum of increased levels of prostaglandin E2, cytomegalo-virus or anti-leukocyte antibodies. However, elevated serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels were observed in all 3 patients. IgA is a potent inhibitor of PMNL and MNL migration. It is possible that serum inhibitors of leucocyte migration perpetuate the profound immunosuppression characteristic of AIDS.
Insights
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) impairs white blood cell movement. A serum factor, possibly immunoglobulin A (IgA), inhibits polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMNL) and mononuclear leucocyte (MNL) migration in AIDS patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is characterized by profound immunosuppression.
- Cell-mediated immunity defects are well-documented in AIDS.
- Leukocyte (white blood cell) function is critical for immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the migratory responsiveness of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs) and mononuclear leucocytes (MNLs) in patients with AIDS.
- To identify potential serum factors inhibiting leukocyte migration in AIDS.
Main Methods:
- In vitro chemotaxis assays were performed using PMNLs and MNLs from 3 AIDS patients and healthy controls.
- Leukocyte migration was assessed in response to chemoattractants.
- Co-incubation experiments were conducted with AIDS serum and control leukocytes.
- Serum levels of prostaglandin E2, cytomegalovirus, anti-leukocyte antibodies, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were measured.
Main Results:
- PMNLs and MNLs from AIDS patients exhibited markedly defective migratory responsiveness.
- AIDS serum inhibited the migration of healthy control PMNLs, suggesting a serum inhibitor.
- This inhibitory effect was not attributed to prostaglandin E2, cytomegalovirus, or anti-leukocyte antibodies.
- Elevated serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels were found in all 3 AIDS patients.
Conclusions:
- A serum factor, potentially immunoglobulin A (IgA), contributes to impaired leukocyte (PMNL and MNL) migration in AIDS.
- This defective leukocyte migration may perpetuate the immunosuppression characteristic of AIDS.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of IgA and other serum factors in AIDS pathogenesis.