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Cell-mediated immunity to HIV-1 in Walter Reed stages 1-6 individuals: correlation with virus burden
R J Trauger1, W K Giermakowska, F Ferre
1Immune Response Corporation, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Immunology
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) wanes with disease progression. Preserved CMI to HIV antigens correlates with lower viral load, suggesting immunotherapy potential.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) plays a crucial role in controlling viral infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Assessing CMI in HIV-1 infection is vital for understanding disease progression and developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between CMI to HIV-1 antigens and viral load in patients across different stages of HIV disease.
- To investigate the potential of CMI as a biomarker for HIV disease progression and a target for immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- A blinded study assessed CMI in 79 HIV-1 patients (Walter Reed stages 1-6) using lymphoproliferative responses to inactivated HIV antigen (HIV-ag) and tetanus toxoid.
- Viral load was quantified using virus isolation and HIV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Main Results:
- CMI responses to HIV-ag and tetanus toxoid diminished with advancing Walter Reed stage, with complete anergy at stage 6.
- HIV-ag responders exhibited lower viral loads (virus isolation negative or low p24 antigen) and reduced HIV DNA copy numbers.
- CMI response to tetanus toxoid did not correlate with viral load.
Conclusions:
- Clinical progression of HIV disease, as defined by the Walter Reed staging system, is associated with a loss of CMI to HIV.
- The inverse correlation between CMI to HIV-ag and viral burden suggests that maintaining CMI may be critical for viral control and offers a potential target for HIV immunotherapies.