A longitudinal study of phagocyte function in HIV-infected patients

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Phagocyte dysfunction is implicated in HIV pathogenesis.
• Previous studies on phagocyte function in HIV-infected individuals yielded conflicting results.
• This study provides the first longitudinal data on phagocyte function during HIV infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of HIV infection on phagocyte function.
• To longitudinally assess polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) and monocyte function in HIV-infected patients.

Main Methods:

• Followed 50 HIV-infected individuals for 2-51 months.
• Assessed PMNL random migration and chemotaxis using an under-agarose method.
• Measured PMNL and monocyte oxidative metabolism via chemiluminescence during phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan.

Main Results:

• PMNL migration and chemotaxis decreased by 15-19% at study entry, worsening to 32-35% by year 3.
• PMNL chemiluminescence production reduced by 6% at entry, declining to 18% by year 4.
• Monocyte chemiluminescence showed no significant changes throughout the study.
• Impairment was most pronounced in patients with lymphadenopathy syndrome or AIDS.

Conclusions:

• HIV infection causes a distinct and progressive decline in PMNL function.
• This PMNL dysfunction may increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections in HIV patients.
• Monocyte chemiluminescence production is not significantly affected by HIV infection.