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Altered lymphocyte antigen expressions in HIV infection: a study by quantitative flow cytometry
L Ginaldi1, M De Martinis, A D'Ostilio
1Department of Internal Medicine, L'Aquila University, Italy.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|November 14, 1997
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection alters lymphocyte surface antigens. Quantitative flow cytometry reveals significant changes in CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD2 expression, impacting immune function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to immune deficiency.
- Surface antigen changes on lymphocytes are hypothesized to contribute to immune dysfunction in HIV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify surface antigen expression on peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in HIV-positive individuals.
- To compare antigen expression levels between HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals.
- To investigate the relationship between antigen expression and HIV disease stage.
Main Methods:
- Double-staining flow cytometry was employed to quantify lymphocyte surface antigens.
- Antibody binding capacity was measured using microbeads to determine antigen molecules per cell.
- Peripheral blood from 30 HIV-positive persons and 19 HIV-negative donors was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant down-regulation of CD3, CD4, and CD8 on T lymphocytes was observed in HIV-infected individuals.
- Increased expression of CD2 on T cells and altered CD7 expression on natural killer cells were noted.
- Quantitative differences in antigen expression correlated with disease stages, assessed by CD4 T-cell count.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection significantly alters the expression profile of key lymphocyte surface antigens.
- Quantitative flow cytometry is a valuable tool for understanding lymphocyte defects in HIV infection.
- These antigen changes offer insights into the mechanisms of immune deficiency in HIV.