T Cell Telomere Length in HIV-1 Infection: No Evidence for Increased CD4 T Cell Turnover

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

T Cell Telomere Length in HIV-1 Infection: No Evidence for Increased CD4 T Cell Turnover

Science (11/29/96) Vol. 274, No. 5292, P. 1543
Wolthers, Katja C.; Wisman, G. Bea A.; Otto, Sigrid A.; et al.

Abstract: HIV-1 infection results in the progressive loss of CD4 T cells, a gradual increase in CD8 T cells, and a decline in immune function. CD4 T-cell count starts to drops at an accelerated rate about one-and-a-half years to two years before the onset of AIDS. One theory holds that the rapid CD4 T cell turnover caused by HIV infection eventually results in the exhaustion of the regenerative capacity of the immune system. Frank Miedema, of the Netherlands Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, and colleagues, used an analysis of telomeric terminal restriction fragment length to measure the turnover of CD4 cells, compared to that of CD8 cells, over the course of HIV-1 infection. They found that turnover increased in CD8 T cells, but remained stable in CD4 T cells. The authors suggest that increased CD4 T cell counts after drug therapy may not be due to repopulation by new cells but may represent a redistribution of activated memory CD4 T cells

961213
AD962376

Copyright © 1996 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

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, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1996. 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, 1996. 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.