Cell-mediated immune response to human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) type 1 in seronegative homosexual men with recent sexual exposure to hiv-1
Journal
Journal of Infectious Diseases
Journal Volume
165
Journal Issue
6
Pages
1012-1019
Date Issued
1992
Author(s)
Clerici M
Giorgi J.V
Chou C.-C
Gudeman V.K
Zack J.A
Gupta P
Nishanian P.G
Berzofsky J.A
Shearer G.M.
Abstract
Although human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 infection is efficiently transmitted by sexual intercourse, some individuals whose sexual behavior places them at extremely high risk for infection have nevertheless remained HIV-1-seronegative. An investigation was undertaken to determine whether such individuals have circulating T helper cells that are sensitized to HIV-1. Five very high risk men who had recent sexual exposure to HIV-1 were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from all 5 produced interleukin (IL)-2 in culture in response to synthetic amphipathic HIV-1 envelope peptides. One of the 5 high-risk men has subsequently seroconverted, while 4 have remained seronegative. All were initially culture-negative, and those who have remained seronegative were also virus-negative by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing 10 months after they were first studied. These results demonstrate that a cell-mediated immune response to HIV-1 can be detected in the absence of a humoral immune response in individuals recently exposed to HIV-1. Furthermore, IL-2 production by T cells in response to synthetic peptides may be a more sensitive test for exposure to HIV-1 than antibody, lymphoproliferation, or PCR tests.
SDGs
Type
journal article