Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
CELLULAR CYTOTOXICITY IN AIDS
AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, and other Manifestations of HIV Infection. Wormser GP et al, eds. Park Ridge, NJ, Noyes Publications, p. 367-79, 1987.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/88647005 Cunningham-Rundles S; Div. of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The New York Hosp.-Cornell; Medical Center, New York, NY
Abstract:
The hallmark of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the loss of cellular immune function. This single characteristic provided the original clue which led to the realization that destruction of the immune system was central to the development and evolution of the various opportunistic infections and tumors that constitute the clinical presentation of AIDS. Lymphocyte subset alteration and functional immune response, natural killer (NK) activity in AIDS, and modulation of cytotoxicity in AIDS are presented to explore the relationship between cell-mediated cytotoxicity and the immunologic abnormalities found in AIDS. The expression of cytotoxicity in AIDS, as indicated by NK function, suggests that down-regulation and the development of a refractory state may occur relatively early in HIV infection. Studies suggest that biological response modulation may be possible in AIDS through the deliberate triggering of cells that are both intrinsically more resistant to the virus and can mediate host defense activities, perhaps acting directly against virus-infected cells to reduce viral burden. AIDS provides a unique opportunity to assess the potential role of the NK system and its possible interaction with specific cytotoxic T cells in responding to internal challenge. Asymptomatic homosexual men who are HIV antibody-positive often are observed to have a very high endogenous NK activity, yet are refractory to interferon-alpha (IFN-a) augmentation in vitro, suggesting NK activation and dysregulation in early disease. Several investigators have reported in vitro NK activation in AIDS using interleukin-2 (IL-2). These reports suggest that regulatory defects rather than deficient cell numbers are associated with cytotoxic effector deficiency in AIDS. IFN-a treatment of AIDS patients has been accompanied by increased NK activity. Similarly, in vivo IL-2 therapy has resulted in augmented NK activity. In light of present evidence, it seems likely that the NK system might provide an important resource for modulation and therapy. (37 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*IMMUNOLOGY/THERAPY *Cytotoxicity, Immunologic Human HIV/*IMMUNOLOGY Immunotherapy Killer Cells, Natural/IMMUNOLOGY T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/IMMUNOLOGY T-Lymphocytes, Suppressor-Effector/IMMUNOLOGY MONOGRAPH REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL
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Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
