Expression of antigens homologous to human retrovirus molecules in normal and severely atrophic thymus

An immunopathologic study of normal and severely atrophic thymuses (STA) was undertaken in order to evaluate the expression of human retrovirus (envelope and core) molecules in thymic epithelial cells (TEC) in HIV negative children. Both normal and STE thymuses disclosed p19, p24, p39, p45 and p55 viral core proteins as well as gp46, gp63 glicoprotein of envelope origin. No evidence of gp160, gp120 and gp41 molecules were observed in TEC which suggested endogenous lack of receptor molecules for HIV. The results are discussed in the context of possible thymus oriented autoimmune reaction in HIV and non-HIV bearing patients and in consequence, severe injury of TEC forming microenvironment.