MACROPHAGE ACTIVATION IN THE ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1987. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

MACROPHAGE ACTIVATION IN THE ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME

Mechanisms of Host Resistance to Infectious Agents, Tumors, and Allografts. Steinman RM, North RJ, eds. New York, Rockefeller University Press, p. 321-33, 1986.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/87630026
Murray HW; Div. of Infectious Diseases, Cornell Univ. Medical College, New; York, NY 10021

Abstract: Studies related to the immunopathogenesis of opportunistic infections in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are reviewed, including lymphokine-generating capacity of AIDS T-cells (crude lymphokines, interferon-gamma [IFN-gamma], and interleukin-2 [IL-2]), AIDS monocyte and macrophage function, and AIDS macrophage response to IFN-gamma. The in vitro studies described here suggest that both the peripheral blood monocyte and the tissue macrophage in AIDS patients with opportunistic infections show neither intrinsic abnormalities in intracellular antimicrobial activity nor any defect in the capacity to achieve the activated state once properly provided with effective T-cell-derived activating signals. The AIDS T-cell defect, however, clearly extends to the failure to secrete antigen-induced macrophage-activating lymphokines, in particular IFN-gamma, thus rendering macrophages persistently susceptible to and entirely unable to contain newly acquired or reactivated infections caused by intracellular pathogens. Irrespective of the mechanisms responsible for the lack of secretion of T-cell lymphokines, the apparent gross impairment of macrophage activation--or its complete failure in AIDS--and the persistent, progressive, and ultimately fatal, outcome of the acquired immunodeficiency indicate that it is appropriate to attempt to induce macrophage activation in vivo by therapeutic or prophylactic administration of agents such as IFN-gamma. (16 Refs)

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*IMMUNOLOGY Human Interferon Type II/BIOSYNTHESIS Interleukin-2/BIOSYNTHESIS Lymphokines/BIOSYNTHESIS *Macrophage Activation Macrophages/IMMUNOLOGY Opportunistic Infections/IMMUNOLOGY T-Lymphocytes/IMMUNOLOGY MONOGRAPH

870430
M8740279

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, 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 1987. 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.

Copyright ©1980, 1987. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .