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CD8+CD28- T cells in vertically HIV-infected children
D Brugnoni1, P Airo, S Timpano
1Clinical Immunology Service, Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Italy.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|October 27, 1997
Summary
Vertical HIV infection increases CD28- T cells in children. This immune cell imbalance is linked to disease progression and apoptosis, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for pediatric HIV.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Vertical transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can impact immune system development in children.
- The expression of CD28 on T lymphocytes is crucial for immune responses.
- Understanding immune alterations in vertically HIV-infected children is vital for managing their health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of vertical HIV infection on CD28 expression in T lymphocytes among children.
- To compare CD28 expression patterns in HIV-infected children versus seroreverted controls.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze CD28 expression on CD8+ T lymphocytes.
- Study included 25 HIV-infected children and 29 seroreverted children born to HIV-positive mothers.
- Correlations between CD28 cell proportions and immunological markers were assessed.
Main Results:
- HIV-infected children showed a significantly higher percentage of CD28- cells among CD8+ T lymphocytes compared to controls.
- Elevated CD28- cells were observed from the first year of life in HIV-infected children.
- The proportion of CD8+ CD28- cells correlated with CD4+ cell loss and increased lymphocyte apoptosis in HIV-infected children.
Conclusions:
- Vertical HIV infection alters T lymphocyte CD28 expression, leading to an increase in CD28- cells.
- The increase in CD8+ CD28- cells is associated with key indicators of HIV disease progression in children.
- These findings suggest CD28 expression changes are relevant to the immunopathogenesis of pediatric HIV.