Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Clonal analysis of T lymphocytes in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Evidence for an abnormality affecting individual helper and suppressor T cells.
J Clin Invest. 1985 Aug;76(2):709-15. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/85289915 Margolick JB; Volkman DJ; Lane HC; Fauci AS
Abstract:
Purified helper-inducer (T4+) and suppressor-cytotoxic (T8+) lymphocytes from eight patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and eight healthy heterosexual donors were examined by limiting dilution analysis for their ability to be clonally expanded. It was demonstrated that viable T4+ and T8+ lymphocytes from patients with AIDS had markedly reduced proportions of clonable cells compared to the healthy donors (T4 = 1:255 vs. 1:34, P = 0.06; T8 = 1:355 vs. 1:55, P = 0.01). However, the cloned T cells that were obtained from the patients with AIDS demonstrated normal proliferation in response to phytohemagglutinin and alloantigen, and normal ability to help or suppress pokeweed mitogen-driven IgG synthesis. These results strongly suggest that, in addition to a quantitative diminution of T4+ lymphocytes in AIDS, there is an intrinsic functional defect in the surviving T4+ and T8+ lymphocytes, which is reflected by a severe decrease in their potential for clonal expansion.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Adult Cell Division *Clone Cells Homosexuality Human IgG/BIOSYNTHESIS Male Middle Age Phytohemagglutinins/PHARMACOLOGY Pokeweed Mitogens/PHARMACOLOGY T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/DRUG EFFECTS/*PHYSIOLOGY T-Lymphocytes, Suppressor-Effector/DRUG EFFECTS/*PHYSIOLOGY JOURNAL ARTICLE
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1985. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.