Circulating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 antigen-positive lymphocytes: a flow cytometric measure of HIV infection

Article Abstract:

It is difficult to specifically identify the time when HIV infection progresses to AIDS. One of the most specific and persistent indicators of HIV infection is alteration and reduction of specific helper T lymphocytes, specifically CD4+ cells. This article describes a flow cytometric assay (FCA) procedure, known as lymphocyte p24-FCA, that permits the measurement of disease progression. The assay counts lymphocytes labelled with an antibody specific for the HIV-1 p24 antigen. The study group consisted of 55 asymptomatic, HIV-1 seropositive, male homosexuals; 24 seronegative, culture negative, laboratory staff; 11 zidovudine-treated (AZT) patients with AIDS; and 16 untreated AIDS patients. Assays were directed at measuring the p24 antigen, since its presence, or that of its precursor antigen molecule, p55, would be expected during the progression of active disease. Results of the experimental assay ranged from undetectable to 13.6 percent (average 2 percent) detectable p24+ lymphocytes in the seropositive homosexual group. Average p24+ lymphocyte values in the other groups studied were: laboratory staff, less than 0.1 percent; 0.3 percent for AZT-treated patients; and 4.2 percent for untreated AIDS patients. The lymphocyte p24-FCA test appears to be a rapid, objective test, capable of providing quantitative data within 24 hours. In addition to monitoring disease progression, this assay may be of further value in monitoring patient response to experimental treatment protocols. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Diagnosis, Flow cytometry, T cells, HIV antigens

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Analysis of lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons for HIV DNA

Article Abstract:

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) interacts with a protein called CD4 that is located on the surface of certain T lymphocytes (cells that stimulate antibody production to fight infection). This interaction alters the function and reduces the number of viable T lymphocytes. Monocytes (a type of white blood cell) that have the CD4 protein on their cell surface have been reported to have the potential for being infected by HIV. Also, macrophages (cells that ingest pathogens and stimulate antibody production) have been shown to make HIV-specific proteins and RNA. In order to determine which cell types are most susceptible to HIV infection, blood samples were obtained from 27 volunteers who had tested positive for HIV, and their lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils (white blood cells involved in the immune response to infection) were tested for the presence of HIV DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (a method that amplifies and allows the detection of small amounts of DNA). T lymphocytes from AIDS patients contained two and a half times more HIV DNA than lymphocytes isolated from individuals without HIV infection. HIV DNA was not detected in monocytes or neutrophils of infected patients, but was found only in the lymphocytes. It is concluded that in HIV infection, the lymphocytes are the predominant blood cell type infected with the virus. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Medical examination, DNA, Monocytes

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Detection of HIV-1 provirus in bronchoalveolar lavage cells by polymerase chain reaction

Article Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tends to infect lymphocytes rather than macrophages. Both lymphocytes, which are comprised of T cells and B cells, and macrophages are types of white blood cells. Macrophages and lymphocytes obtained from 14 HIV-positive patients following bronchoalveolar lavage were separated and tested for the presence of HIV. Bronchoalveolar lavage is a procedure in which the lungs are washed out. HIV was detected in lymphocyte samples from all 14 patients but was detected in macrophage samples from only eight of the patients. Furthermore, even in patients in whom HIV was detected in macrophages, significantly more lymphocytes were infected with HIV than macrophages. HIV detection in both lymphocytes and macrophages was not related to stage of the disease or to the presence of opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Macrophages, Bronchoalveolar lavage

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