HIV-1-specific mucosal IgA in a cohort of HIV-1-resistant Kenyan sex workers.

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

HIV-1-specific mucosal IgA in a cohort of HIV-1-resistant Kenyan sex workers.

AIDS. 1999 Jan 14;13(1):23-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/99223948
Kaul R; Trabattoni D; Bwayo JJ; Arienti D; Zagliani A; Mwangi FM; Kariuki C; Ngugi EN; MacDonald KS; Ball TB; Clerici M; Plummer FA; Department of Medical Microbiology and Community Health,; University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Most HIV-1 transmission is sexual; therefore, immune responses in the genital mucosa may be important in mediating protection against HIV infection. This study examined HIV-1-specific mucosal IgA in a cohort of HIV-1-resistant Kenyan female sex workers. METHODS: HIV-1-specific immune responses were compared in HIV-1-resistant and HIV-1-infected sex workers, and in lower risk uninfected women. Cervical and vaginal samples from each group were tested for HIV-1-specific IgA and IgG by enzyme immunoassay. Systemic T-helper lymphocyte cell responses to HIV-1 envelope peptide epitopes were assayed using an interleukin 2 bioassay. HIV-1 risk-taking behaviours were assessed using standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: HIV-1-specific IgA was present in the genital tract of 16 out of 21 (76%) HIV-1-resistant sex workers, five out of 19 (26%) infected women, and three out of 28 (11%) lower risk women (P < 0.0001). Among lower risk women, the presence of HIV-1-specific IgA was associated with HIV-1 risk-taking behaviour. Systemic T-helper lymphocyte responses to HIV-1 envelope peptides were present in 11 out of 20 (55%) HIV-1-resistant women, four out of 18 (22%) infected women, and one out of 25 (4%) lower risk women (P < 0.001). T-helper lymphocyte responses did not correlate with the presence or titre of virus-specific mucosal IgA in any study group. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-1-specific IgA is present in the genital tract of most HIV-1-resistant Kenyan sex workers, and of a minority of lower risk uninfected women, where it is associated with risk-taking behaviour. These data suggest a role for mucosal HIV-1-specific IgA responses in HIV-1 resistance, independent of host cellular responses.

Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE Cervix Uteri/*IMMUNOLOGY Cohort Studies CD4 Lymphocyte Count Female Human HIV Antibodies/*IMMUNOLOGY HIV Infections/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*IMMUNOLOGY HIV-1/*IMMUNOLOGY IgA/*IMMUNOLOGY IgG Immunity, Natural/IMMUNOLOGY Kenya/EPIDEMIOLOGY Mucous Membrane/IMMUNOLOGY *Prostitution Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Vagina/*IMMUNOLOGY
990930
A9991345

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. .