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Cerebrospinal fluid T cell receptor gamma/delta+ lymphocyte subsets in patient with AIDS-dementia complex

O Perrella1, M Soscia, C Iaccarino

  • 1III Department D, Cotugno Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Napoli, Italy.

Insights

T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma/delta lymphocytes were studied in patients with AIDS dementia complex (ADC). Researchers found these T cells in cerebrospinal fluid of ADC patients, but no significant difference compared to controls.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Virology

Background:

  • A subset of peripheral T cells expresses T-cell receptor (TcR) gamma/delta.
  • The physiological function of TcR gamma/delta lymphocytes remains largely unknown.
  • AIDS dementia complex (ADC) is a neurological complication associated with HIV infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize TcR gamma/delta lymphocytes and their subset (TcS delta 1+) in the peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ADC patients.
  • To compare the presence of these cells in ADC patients versus individuals with other non-inflammatory neurological diseases (OND).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized two monoclonal antibodies for characterization.
  • Analyzed peripheral blood and CSF samples.
  • Recruited 30 patients with ADC and 20 individuals with OND.

Main Results:

  • TcR gamma/delta cells were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of ADC patients.
  • No statistically significant difference was observed in the presence of TcR gamma/delta cells between ADC patients and the OND control group.

Conclusions:

  • TcR gamma/delta lymphocytes are present in the CSF of individuals with AIDS dementia complex.
  • The study did not find a differential distribution of TcR gamma/delta cells in CSF that distinguishes ADC from other neurological conditions.

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