N. Rodriguez et al., MECHANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH DEFECTIVE T(H)1 CYTOKINE PRODUCTION IN HIV-INFECTION, Cellular and molecular biology, 43(7), 1997, pp. 951-958
Qualitative and quantitative changes in immune functions of different
T-cell subsets associated with infection by human immunodeficiency vir
us type 1 (HIV-1) were analyzed by flow cytometric assessment of intra
cytoplasmic cytokines. The T(H)1 cytokines, interleukin 2 (IL-2) and i
nterferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), were produced by both CD4 and CD8 T-cell
subsets. When normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were ac
tivated in culture, both cytokines were produced predominantly by CD4
(CD4) cell and only a minor fraction of normal CD8 cells produced thes
e cytokines. In the cultures of PBMC from HIV-1 infected individuals (
HIV+PBMC), more HIV+CD8 cells produced IL-2 and IFN-gamma. Production
of IFN-gamma by HIV+CD4 cells was markedly reduced, while IL-2nd tumor
necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by HIV+CD4 remained rela
tively intact until the disease progressed further. Normal CD4 cells w
hich were isolated by using a cell sorter, FACSCalibur was still able
to produce IL-2 and TNF-alpha. But for full production of IFN-gamma, n
ormal CD4 required some accessory cells, the identity of which could n
ot yet be established.