HIV antibodies in laboratory control and calibration sera.
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Biomedical subjects
A Ranki
Publications and source records attributed to A Ranki.
Proliferative T-cell response to HIV envelope glycoprotein in immunized and infected primates and human beings.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific helper T-cell response was studied in human subjects and nonhuman primates either infected with HIV or immunized with different HIV protein preparations. A strong group-specific T-cell response involving T-cell proliferation and lymphokine secretion was observed in immunized chimpanzees and rhesus monkeys as well as HIV-infected chimpanzees and gibbons. HIV-infected people demonstrated a low or no HIV-specific T-cell response. In contrast, five of 14 HIV antibody-negative sexual partners of HIV-infected men recognized one or more T-cell epitopes in the envelope glycoprotein of HIV.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Cell-mediated immune response toward viral envelope and core antigens in gibbon apes (Hylobates lar) chronically infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1.
The specific cellular immune response toward envelope and core proteins of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) was investigated in gibbon apes chronically infected with the HTLV-IIIB isolate. After in vitro stimulation of PBMC from infected and control animals with HIV-1 Ag, DNA synthesis, IL-2R expression and IL-2 release were assayed. Cells from infected gibbon apes demonstrated a group-specific response toward whole virus preparations from three divergent HIV-1 isolates (HTLV-IIIB, HTLV-IIIRF, HTLV-IIIMN). Consistent responses were also detected against purified HIV-1 Ag, i.e., native gp120 envelope glycoprotein, recombinant gp160 glycoprotein, a synthetic peptide (peptide 7) representing a highly conserved region of gp120, and purified native core protein p24. In addition, lymphocytes from infected gibbon apes displayed a specific, MHC-restricted, cytotoxic activity against autologous cells expressing HIV-1 envelope or gag proteins. The specific T cell reactivity toward HIV-1 proteins observed in infected gibbons contrasts with findings in HIV-1 infected humans, and may help to explain the apparent discrepancy in the natural history of the infection between the two species.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Interpretation of antibodies reacting solely with human retroviral core proteins.
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Antibodies, Viral↗
Oral candidal infection as a sign of HIV infection in homosexual men.
The oral mucosae of 66 homosexual men were examined clinically and by means of cultivation to determine the presence of Candida infection. In addition, clinically detected mucosal changes were recorded and a biopsy specimen was obtained for the histopathologic classification. A total of forty one subjects (62%) showed clinical evidence of candidiasis. Fourteen (21%) of the sixty-six men were seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A total of thirteen of fourteen (93%) of the seropositive men and twenty-six of fifty-two (50%) of the HIV seronegative men had culture-confirmed oral candidiasis. In the latter group, oral candidiasis was clearly correlated to cigarette smoking. Clinical mucosal changes other than candidiasis were found in forty-five of the sixty-six subjects studied. The most frequent finding was trauma resulting from biting, which was usually localized on the cheek. Leukoplakia was found in twelve of sixty-six subjects, while cauliflower-like condylomas were present in 4 persons. The results emphasize the frequent occurrence of different oral lesions in subjects seropositive for HIV and in those at high risk for HIV infection. Oral examination in search for potential early manifestations of HIV infection in homosexual men is advocated.
Alcohol Drinking↗
Modification of lymphocyte subsets in Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin during proquazone treatment.
This study deals with 13 patients who volunteered for serial biopsies during proquazone treatment which proved to be effective in the majority of the cases. The immunocompetent cells in the inflammatory cell infiltrates were characterized by a panel of monoclonal antibodies: OKT11, OKT4, OKT8, OKT6, NK-9 and Leu-14. Before proquazone treatment there was only a slight predominance of OKT4-positive cells as compared to OKT8-positive cells but a rather high number of NK-9-positive natural killer or activated cytotoxic T cells. The pattern of inflammatory cell subclasses changed during the treatment and the most striking difference was the reduction in the number of the NK-9-positive cells. It is proposed that Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (LIS) should be viewed as an entity and that proquazone possibly acts by modulating the pattern and activation stage of lymphocyte subclasses in LIS.
Adult↗
Long latency precedes overt seroconversion in sexually transmitted human-immunodeficiency-virus infection.
Signs of latent HIV infection were sought in stored serum samples collected before overt seroconversion, confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), from 9 subjects with human-immunodeficiency-virus (HIV) infection, in serum from 25 seronegative sexual partners of HIV-seropositive men and from 23 other seronegative, homosexually active men. Free HIV antigen and/or low-titre antibodies to recombinant structural (core, env) or non-structural (3' orf, sor, tat) proteins were seen 6-14 months before seroconversion in all 9 subjects who seroconverted. Antibodies against core proteins detected by western blot were usually the first sign of latent HIV infection. 5 of the 25 ELISA-negative exposed partners have shown HIV antigenaemia and antibodies against core proteins for 16-34 months. By in-situ hybridisation, HIV-specific RNA was detected in peripheral-blood non-lymphoid mononuclear cells in some of the latently infected partners. All subjects with latent HIV infection had normal numbers of T4 lymphocytes but half of them lost their in-vitro proliferative T-cell response to a recall antigen (purified protein derivative of tuberculin). Early HIV infection, characterised by a low-level and restricted antibody response towards HIV core and regulatory proteins, seems mainly to affect antigen-presenting cells.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Specific cellular immune response and neutralizing antibodies in goats immunized with native or recombinant envelope proteins derived from human T-lymphotropic virus type IIIB and in human immunodeficiency virus-infected men.
Animals immunized with native or recombinant envelope proteins from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, formerly referred to as human T-lymphotropic virus type III) human T-lymphotropic virus type IIIB and naturally HIV-infected men were assessed for neutralizing antibodies and cell-mediated immunity toward the virus. Immunization of rabbits or goats with the native external envelope glycoprotein gp120 or with corresponding recombinant proteins elicited strictly type-specific neutralizing antibodies. A broad, group-specific cellular immune response to gp120 and to three different HIV isolates was seen in goats immunized with the native gp120 but not in animals immunized with the nonglycosylated recombinant envelope proteins. In HIV-infected people, no T-cell response was seen, even though their T-cell response toward other foreign antigens was intact. The results show type- and group-specific epitopes on gp120, some of which may be of importance for the development of a vaccine against HIV infection.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Humoral immune response to the entire human immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein made in insect cells.
The human immunodeficiency virus envelope gene was expressed in insect cells by using a Baculovirus expression vector. The protein has an apparent molecular mass of 160 kDa, appears on the surface of infected insect cells, and does not appear to be cleaved to glycoproteins gp120 and gp41. Goats immunized with the 160-kDa protein have high titers of antibody that neutralizes virus infection as measured by viral gene expression or cell cytolysis. In addition, immune sera can block fusion of human immunodeficiency virus-infected cells in culture. Both neutralization and fusion-blocking activities are bound to and eluted from immobilized gp120.
Animals↗
Distribution of natural killer cells and lymphocyte subclasses in Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin and in cutaneous lesions of discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus.
We studied the cell infiltrates in biopsies from lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (LIS), with six monoclonal T cell antigen-specific antibodies and compared the reactivity pattern with those in biopsies from discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus skin lesions and allergic contact skin reactions. A newly described antibody (NK9) recognizing natural killer (NK) cells and activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes was included, and the numbers and activity of circulating NK cells was determined. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the numbers of NK9-positive cells were highest in LIS. The distribution of T lymphocytes (OKTII + ve), helper T cells (OKT4 + ve), suppressor T cells (OKT8 + ve), Langerhans cells (OKT6 + ve) and activated T cells (anti-Tac + ve) in LIS differed from those in DLE,SLE and allergic contact reactions. However, the number of circulating NK cells (large granular lymphocytes) and the NK activity in peripheral blood were normal in LIS. We conclude that in LIS a distinct type of T cell activation occurs; the cause of this remains to be determined.
Adult↗
The validity of immunological studies in human immunodeficiency virus infection: a three-year follow-up of 235 homo- or bisexual persons.
During a three-year follow-up study of 235 risk-group people living in Finland, we found a slow increase in the proportion of HIV seropositives (from 9.8% to 14.0%) and a slow but continuous advance in symptoms typical of HIV infection among them. The first immunological changes after HIV seroconversion were an increase in Ts-cells and a decline in antigen-induced T-cell functions (proliferation, IL-2 production). A further decline in antigen-induced responses was seen before early clinical symptoms and signs of HIV infection developed. During later phases of HIV infection the decrease of Th-cells and the elevation of serum Beta-2 microglobulin correlated most strongly with the progression of HIV infection. The mitogen-induced lymphocyte functions of the HIV-infected correlated to Th-cell levels, while the antigen-induced proliferation and IL-2 production showed correlation neither to Th-cells nor to Ts-cells. The poor antigen-induced T-cell responses might be caused by abnormally functioning monocytes, known to be infected by HIV. Our results suggest that in HIV infection there is a continuous but slow disease progression, although individual variation may be great. The immunological parameter best predicting the prognosis of an infected person in the early phases of infection was the antigen-induced lymphocyte functions, and later the amount of Th-cells.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
[HIV infection in Finland].
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Neutralizing antibodies in HIV (HTLV-III) infection: correlation with clinical outcome and antibody response against different viral proteins.
Sequential serum samples, collected over a 2-3 year follow-up period, of 28 HIV-infected individuals were tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies against one HIV isolate, HTLV-IIIB, and titrated, by Western blotting, against different HTLV-III specific proteins. Neutralizing antibodies were found in 66% of the samples tested and highest neutralization titres observed in cases with lymphadenopathy syndrome. Antibody titres against the viral proteins also seemed to be highest in cases with LAS. Neutralization titres correlated well with antibodies to envelope glycoproteins gp41 and gp120 and to one of the core proteins, p17. An increase in neutralization titre during the follow-up period was associated with a stable clinical course. Furthermore, the occurrence of antibodies directed against the external envelope glycoprotein (gp120) in the initial serum sample correlated well with a stable clinical course. The results suggest that neutralizing activity in the serum, particularly that evoked against gp120, may have some prognostic significance, and that several distinct antigenic epitopes on the virus may be a target for neutralizing antibodies.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Seropositivity to LAV/HTLV-III in 11 European countries.
The ECP Working Group on AIDS has evaluated data on seropositivity to LAV/HTLV-III supplied by members in II Western European countries. The period covered is 1981-84. The rise in LAV/HTLV seropositivity parallels the incidence of cases of AIDS in the different countries. LAV/HTLV now spreads freely within Europe and spread has become less dependent upon promiscuity. The epidemic is about to enter Eastern Europe. Intravenous drug abusers appear to be the risk group experiencing the most rapid spread at present. Furthermore, seropositivity in males and females outside the traditional risk groups seems on the rise, and as in the US the percentage seronegative in individuals with PGL is quite high. AIDS is rapidly becoming a major cause of cancer in young adults. A coordinated European preventive effort is urgently needed.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Immunohistological evaluation of alopecia areata treated with squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE).
A total of 19 patients with alopecia areata volunteered for serial biopsies of the scalp skin during SADBE treatment. Regrowth of terminal hair was seen in 12 of the 19 patients on the side of the scalp treated with SADBE for a minimum of four months, but not on a control side treated with sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Immunocompetent cells were characterized with ANAE staining and monoclonal antibodies in biopsy specimen showing marked peribulbar and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates. Inflammatory cell subclasses were repeatedly evaluated during SADBE treatment. No specific alterations in lymphocyte subclasses and macrophages were seen in relation to the hair growth response. In immunofluorescent studies it was found that in patients with regrowth of hair, immunoglobulins, fibrin and complement, appeared in the hair bulb and along the basement membrane during the treatment. Results were negative in patients without regrowth of terminal hair and in SLS-treated skin. As we could not demonstrate that any cell-mediated mechanism was involved, we suggest that SADBE may induce terminal hair growth through as yet uncharacterized mediators.
Adolescent↗
[AIDS prevention and treatment].
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Diversity of clinical spectrum of HTLV-III infection.
In a prospective follow-up volunteer study lasting 4 to 16 months, 17 of 200 homosexual men living in Finland had antibodies to human T-lymphotrophic virus type III (HTLV-III). 1 man who initially had a low titre of HTLV-III antibodies became seronegative within 6 months without any symptoms developing, and a seronegative man became seropositive. 14 men had high titres of HTLV-III antibodies when they first joined the study and during the study titres rose in all other HTLV-III-positive men except those with AIDS. Initially 9 men were symptom-free, 3 had lymphadenopathy syndrome (LAS), 3 had AIDS-related complex (ARC), and 2 had AIDS. During follow-up LAS developed in 3 symptom-free HTLV-III positive men but none of those with LAS or ARC progressed to AIDS. Most HTLV-III-positive men, including those who were otherwise symptom-free, had mucocutaneous lesions generally associated with immune deficiency. Regardless of the symptoms, those with increasing HTLV-III antibody titres showed lowered T helper/T suppressor ratios, decreased numbers of T helper cells, and/or diminished responses to tuberculin antigen (PPD). These results suggest that the clinical spectrum of HTLV-III infection ranges from transient infection through chronic provirus state, asymptomatic virus producer state, LAS or ARC, and rarely full-blown AIDS. Cofactors probably determine the final outcome of infection in the individual.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Immune functions in homosexual men with antibodies to HTLV-III in Finland.
The occurrence of HTLV-III antibodies in a voluntary group of 175 homosexual men in a low risk AIDS area was studied, and the findings were correlated to clinical, virological, immunological and lifestyle parameters. Fifteen of 175 men had HTLV-III antibodies; two of these had AIDS, five had LAS and two had enlarged lymph nodes. In the HTLV-III antibody negative group, no signs of AIDS or pre-AIDS were seen during a 10 month follow-up. In HTLV-III antibody positive individuals, low TH/TS ratio was mainly due to decreased number of TH cells. Most HTLV-III antibody positive cases had low responses to a specific antigen, PPD, while responses to the mitogens PHA and PWM were only slightly affected. In HTLV-III antibody negative cases, 13% had a low TH/TS ratio, mostly due to elevation of TS cells. In this group, mitogen and antigen responses were normal or only slightly affected. The results reinforce the causal relationship between HTLV-III and AIDS and suggest that the cells primarily affected by the virus infection are TH cells, responsible for antigen specific responses. Longitudinal studies are required to find out, what is the relationship of immune response to the development of clinical AIDS in HTLV-III infected individuals.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗