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Serum 27E10 antigen: a new potential marker for staging HIV disease
N Lügering1, R Stoll, T Kucharzik
1Department of Medicine B, University of Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
MRP8 and MRP14 are myeloic related proteins expressed by most circulating and emigrated neutrophils and monocytes. Their composite molecule MRP8/14 (27E10 antigen) was shown to exhibit striking antimicrobial properties. The aim of the present study was to assess the value of MRPs as markers for detection of the different stages of HIV infection (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 1993). By employing the ELISA technique we measured serum concentrations of these proteins in samples from 122 HIV patients at the various stages of disease, and the results were compared with those for healthy controls. Serum levels of the heterodimeric molecule 27E10 were significantly increased (P < 0.001) in patients with CDC stages II and III, with the highest levels being in patients with stage III and acute ongoing opportunistic infections. For the single component MRP14, significantly raised levels (P < 0.05) were only found in HIV stage III individuals with acute clinical events. Similar associations were not found for MRP8 alone. Increase was not related to CD4+ cell count. There was a significant correlation between 27E10 antigen serum concentrations and levels of neopterin in patients with HIV stages II and III without acute concurrent illness. Patients being treated with Zidovudine showed no statistically significant variation in levels of 27E10 and its single components MRP8 and MRP14 compared with untreated patients. These findings suggest that elevation of MRP14 levels occurs in HIV+ individuals at later stages post-HIV infection, after the onset of opportunistic infections. 27E10 antigen is concluded to be a potential marker for the different stages of HIV disease.
Insights
Myeloid-related proteins (MRPs) like MRP8/14 (27E10 antigen) show potential as biomarkers for HIV infection stages. Elevated levels indicate disease progression, particularly with opportunistic infections, suggesting 27E10 antigen
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Myeloid-related proteins (MRPs), specifically MRP8 and MRP14, form a complex (MRP8/14 or 27E10 antigen) with known antimicrobial properties.
- These proteins are expressed in neutrophils and monocytes, key immune cells involved in host defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of MRPs (MRP8, MRP14, and the MRP8/14 complex) as diagnostic markers for various stages of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
- To correlate serum levels of MRPs with clinical staging (CDC 1993) and opportunistic infections in HIV patients.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify serum concentrations of MRP8, MRP14, and the MRP8/14 (27E10) antigen in 122 HIV-positive patients and healthy controls.
- Serum levels were analyzed in relation to HIV disease stages (CDC II and III), presence of opportunistic infections, CD4+ cell counts, and neopterin levels.
Main Results:
- Serum levels of the MRP8/14 (27E10) antigen were significantly elevated in HIV patients at CDC stages II and III (P < 0.001), with the highest concentrations observed in stage III patients experiencing acute opportunistic infections.
- Elevated MRP14 levels were specifically associated with HIV stage III individuals presenting with acute clinical events (P < 0.05), while MRP8 alone showed no significant association.
- 27E10 antigen levels correlated with neopterin levels in patients without acute concurrent illness, but were not influenced by CD4+ cell count or Zidovudine treatment.
Conclusions:
- The MRP8/14 (27E10) antigen demonstrates potential as a valuable biomarker for monitoring different stages of HIV disease progression.
- Elevated MRP14 specifically indicates later-stage HIV infection, particularly following the onset of opportunistic infections.
- Further research into MRPs could enhance diagnostic strategies for HIV management.