Antibodies against CD4 super(+) lymphocytes in plasma of HIV-infected patients are related to CD4 cell depletion in vivo

• Published in: Immunology letters Vol. 41; no. 2-3; pp. 163 - 167
• Main Authors: Mueller, C, Kukel, S, Bauer, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1994
• Subjects: human immunodeficiency virus
• ISSN: 0165-2478

The role of autoimmune phenomena in the pathogenesis of AIDS is not well understood. Antibodies against CD4 super(+) lymphocytes are frequently detectable in HIV-infected patients. However, the relevance of these antibodies is unknown. In this study anti-CD4 cell antibodies in plasma of HIV-infected patients were compared to patients' CD4 cell count. Lymphocytes of a healthy donor were incubated with plasma of patients and controls. Antibodies against CD4 super(+) lymphocytes were detected using anti-human Ig antibodies and monoclonal anti-CD4 antibodies simultaneously. The degree of staining was visualized by flow cytometry. The experiments revealed that 60% of HIV-infected patients harbored anti-CD4 cell antibodies in their plasma. Anti-CD4 cell antibodies were not detectable in plasma of healthy controls. Patients with anti-CD4 cell antibodies in their plasma presented with significantly lower numbers of circulating CD4 super(+) lymphocytes (P = 0.025). The degree of antibody reactivity was negatively correlated to patients' CD4 cell counts (P = 0.02). In conclusion there is evidence for an association between plasma anti-CD4 cell antibodies and CD4 cell depletion. Whether this association represents an epiphenomenon or a pathogenetic relevant pathway needs to be investigated in further studies.