Activation of cytotoxic cells in hyperplastic lymph nodes from HIV-infected patients.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Activation of cytotoxic cells in hyperplastic lymph nodes from HIV-infected patients.

AIDS. 1991 Sep;5(9):1071-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/92029722
Devergne O; Peuchmaur M; Crevon MC; Trapani JA; Maillot MC; Galanaud P; Emilie D; INSERM U131, Clamart, France.

Abstract: Serine esterase B (SE B) is a protein contained in cytoplasmic granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells; SE B gene is transcribed upon activation of these cytotoxic cells. In order to show the in vivo interactions between HIV-infected cells and anti-HIV cytotoxic cells we analysed, by in situ hybridization, the expression of the SE B gene in eight hyperplastic lymph nodes from HIV-1-infected patients presenting with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy. We detected numerous cells expressing the SE B gene. The mean number of positive cells was 3.2 times higher in HIV lymph nodes than in six non-HIV hyperplastic lymph nodes studied in parallel (P less than 0.05). In control lymph nodes, the SE B gene was expressed only in interfollicular areas; virtually no cells expressed the SE B gene within follicles. In contrast, in HIV lymph nodes cells expressing the SE B gene were distributed either in interfollicular areas or within follicles. Expression of the SE B gene inside follicles was thus a specific feature of HIV lymph nodes (P less than 0.001) and was associated with the presence of HIV antigens and RNA at the same site. These results suggest that cytotoxic cells are activated in follicles of HIV lymph nodes and may be involved in the lysis of HIV-infected cells. Such a phenomenon may explain the development of follicle lysis, a specific feature of HIV lymph nodes. It may also inhibit the spreading of HIV infection.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/IMMUNOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY Blotting, Northern Esterases/*GENETICS Gene Expression/GENETICS Human Hyperplasia/IMMUNOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY HIV Antigens/ANALYSIS HIV Infections/*IMMUNOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY HIV-1/*IMMUNOLOGY/PHYSIOLOGY Interleukin-2/GENETICS Lymph Nodes/IMMUNOLOGY/*MICROBIOLOGY/PATHOLOGY Lymphocyte Transformation/GENETICS/IMMUNOLOGY RNA, Viral/ANALYSIS Support, Non-U.S. Gov't T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/ENZYMOLOGY/IMMUNOLOGY/*MICROBIOLOGY Virus Replication JOURNAL ARTICLE
920228
M9220838

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