[Abnormal changes of CD28 expression on CD4 + T cells in treatment-näive and highly active antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV/AIDS patients]

Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao. 2006 Oct;28(5):618-21.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To study the alteration of the expression of CD28 on CD4 + T cells in HIV/AIDS patients and observe the dynamics of CD28 expression under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods: The expression of CD28 on CD4 + T cells, CD4 counts, and plasma viral load were measured by flow cytometry and bDNA assays in 278 treatment-naïve HIV/AIDS patients and 56 healthy controls. In addition, the evolution of these parameters was assessed in 59 patients who initiated HAART and were followed for 12 months in regular 3-month visits.

Results: The median level of CD28 on CD4 + T cells decreased dramatically in treatment-naïve HIV-positive individuals than in HIV-negative controls (P <0.001). The expression rate of CD28 molecule was positively correlated with CD4 counts (r = 0.484, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with plasma viral load (r = -0.300, P <0.001). In patients who had received one month of standard HAART, the level of CD28 on CD4 + T cells increased rapidly from 75.0% to 90.0% (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a negative correlation between the median CD28 expression and the median viral load (r = - 0.829, P = 0.042).

Conclusions: The level of CD28 expression on CD4 + T cells is down-regulated in treatment-naïve HIV/AIDS patients. HAART can successfully restore the lymphocyte subsets of CD4 + CD28 + T cells. The up-regulation of CD28 expression after HAART may be closely correlated with the suppression of the viral replication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • CD28 Antigens / metabolism*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Infections / blood
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • CD28 Antigens