Mechanisms associated with defective TH1 cytokine production in HIV infection

Qualitative and quantitative changes in immune functions of different T-cell subsets associated with infection by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) were analyzed by flow cytometric assessment of intracytoplasmic cytokines. The T(H)1 cytokines, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), were produced by both CD4 and CD8 T-cell subsets. When normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were activated in culture, both cytokines were produced predominantly by CD4 (CD4) cell and only a minor fraction of normal CD8 cells produced these cytokines. In the cultures of PBMC from HIV-1-infected individuals (HIV+PBMC), more HIV+CD8 cells produced IL-2 and IFN-gamma. Production of IFN-gamma by HIV+CD4 cells was markedly reduced, while IL-2nd tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by HIV+CD4 remained relatively intact until the disease progressed further. Normal CD4 cells which were isolated by using a cell sorter, FACSCalibur was still able to produce IL-2 and TNF-alpha. But for full production of IFN-gamma, normal CD4 required some accessory cells, the identity of which could not yet be established.