Natural immunity and HIV disease progression.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Natural immunity and HIV disease progression.

AIDS. 1999 Apr 1;13(5):557-63. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/99218043
Ullum H; Cozzi Lepri A; Aladdin H; Katzenstein T; Victor J; Phillips AN; Gerstoft J; Skinhoj P; Klarlund Pedersen B; Department of Infectious Diseases, Rhima Centre, Rigshospitalet,; Copenhagen, Denmark.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical implications of impaired levels of the natural immunity mediated by natural killer (NK) cells and lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells during infection with HIV-1. DESIGN: Data used were from 172 individuals with an estimated measure of NK cell activity and 146 with an estimated measure of LAK cell activity. Patients had active HIV infection at the time of enrolment in the study and have been followed-up prospectively for a median of 3.0 years. METHODS: The lytic activity of NK cells and LAK cells, the CD4 T lymphocyte count, and the concentration of CD16/CD56 NK cells were measured at enrolment. HIV RNA in plasma was measured retrospectively. Survival analysis was performed considering three main endpoints: CD4 cell counts below 100 x 10(6) cells/l, clinical AIDS, and death. RESULTS: In unadjusted analysis and after adjustment for age, CD4 T lymphocyte count and plasma HIV RNA at enrolment, low LAK cell activity was significantly associated with higher risk of progression to a CD4 T lymphocyte count < 100 x 10(6) cells/l (crude P = 0.001; adjusted P = 0.04) and to death (crude P = 0.0002; adjusted P = 0.02). Patients with low NK cell responsiveness to interferon-alpha tended to be at higher risk of death (crude P = 0.04; adjusted P = 0.13) whereas unstimulated NK cell activity and the concentration of NK cells were of no prognostic value for patients in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that low LAK cell activity and low NK cell responsiveness to interferon-alpha may be important in the pathogenesis of HIV infection.

Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE CD4 Lymphocyte Count Disease Progression Human HIV Infections/*IMMUNOLOGY/VIROLOGY HIV-1/*IMMUNOLOGY Immunity, Natural Killer Cells, Lymphokine-Activated/*IMMUNOLOGY Killer Cells, Natural/*IMMUNOLOGY Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Viral Load
990830
A9980968

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 1999. 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, 1999. 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. .