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T cell activation in pediatric AIDS pathogenesis: three-color immunophenotyping
S Plaeger-Marshall1, V Isacescu, S O'Rourke
1Department of Pediatrics, UCLA School of Medicine 90024.
Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Pediatric HIV infection significantly increases T cell activation markers, particularly on CD8 cells, indicating immune system changes. These markers may help track disease progression and identify early infection in at-risk infants.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Virology
Background:
- Immune activation is a key aspect of adult HIV disease, potentially reflecting host response or immunopathogenesis.
- Understanding T cell activation in pediatric HIV is crucial for managing the disease and identifying infection early.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand T cell activation in pediatric HIV infection.
- To evaluate T cell activation markers for disease progression and early infection detection in infants.
- To compare three-color versus two-color flow cytometry for these assessments.
Main Methods:
- Examined cell-surface activation antigens on CD4 and CD8 T cells.
- Compared 26 HIV-infected children with 40 HIV-seronegative age-matched controls.
- Utilized flow cytometric immunophenotyping.
Main Results:
- HIV-infected children showed increased CD38 and HLA-DR coexpression on CD4 T cells.
- A significant increase in CD8 T cells coexpressing CD38 and HLA-DR was observed in HIV-infected children.
- Reduced CD45RA+ CD8 cells and increased CD57+ CD8 cells were noted in HIV-infected children.
- Three-color flow cytometry did not substantially alter findings compared to two-color analysis.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric HIV infection is associated with distinct patterns of T cell activation.
- CD38 and HLA-DR expression on CD8 T cells are significantly elevated in children with HIV.
- T cell activation markers show potential utility in monitoring pediatric HIV disease progression and early infection detection.