MUCOSAL IMMUNE-RESPONSES IN 4 DISTINCT COMPARTMENTS OF WOMEN INFECTEDWITH HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS TYPE-1 - A COMPARISON BY SITE AND CORRELATION WITH CLINICAL INFORMATION

Because mucosal immune responses may be important in protection agains t human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), HIV-1-specific immune r esponses at mucosal sites in natural infection were compared. Total an tibody concentrations and HIV-1-specific binding antibody responses in four distinct mucosal sites and serum were assessed in 41 HIV-infecte d and 19 HIV-seronegative women. HIV-1 gp160-specific IgG responses we re detected in >99% of mucosal samples in infected subjects, with the highest titers in genital secretions. HIV-1-specific IgA was detected in the majority of endocervical secretions (94%) and nasal washes (95% ) but less often in vaginal washes (51%) and parotid saliva (38%). The re was no significant correlation between mucosal immune response and most clinical factors. Based on methodologic considerations, frequenci es of detection, and HIV-1-specific responses, nasal washes and genita l secretions may each provide important measures of HIV-1-specific muc osal immune responses in infected women.