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In Vitro Assay to Evaluate the Impact of Immunoregulatory Pathways on HIV-specific CD4 T Cell Effector Function
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Published on: October 16, 2013

Decreased function of monocytes and granulocytes during HIV-1 infection correlates with CD4 cell counts

T S Dobmeyer1, B Raffel, J M Dobmeyer

  • 1Dept. of Medicine III, University Hospital, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 Frankfurt D-60590, Germany.

European Journal of Medical Research
|October 16, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Immune cells like monocytes and neutrophils show reduced antimicrobial activity in early human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This defect worsens with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) progression, impacting the body's ability to fight infections.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Monocytes and neutrophils are crucial for immune response against opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) progression to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
  • Phagocytic cells utilize reactive oxygen species (ROS) for antimicrobial activity against pathogens.
  • HIV infection can compromise the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the phagocytic capacity and respiratory burst function of monocytes and granulocytes in individuals with varying stages of HIV infection.
  • To compare immune cell function in healthy controls, asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals, and patients with AIDS.

Main Methods:

  • Whole blood samples were collected from healthy controls, asymptomatic HIV-infected subjects, and AIDS patients.
  • Flow cytometry was used to assess phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity of monocytes and granulocytes.
  • Measurements were performed under conditions mimicking the cells' natural environment.

Main Results:

  • Asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals showed increased bacterial phagocytosis by granulocytes and monocytes compared to controls, with normal ROS production.
  • Patients with AIDS exhibited significantly reduced phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity, correlating with CD4+ cell counts.
  • HIV-infected individuals (symptomatic and asymptomatic) had a diminished ratio of ROS-producing cells to phagocytic cells compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Monocytes and granulocytes display reduced antimicrobial activity even in early HIV infection stages.
  • The observed immune defect is not solely due to direct HIV infection of neutrophils.
  • Immune cell dysfunction in HIV/AIDS impacts the body's ability to combat opportunistic infections.

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