Coinfection with Schistosoma mansoni is associated with decreased HIV-specific cytolysis and increased IL-10 production

J Immunol. 2005 Apr 15;174(8):5119-23. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.8.5119.

Abstract

Impaired virus-specific immune responses have previously been observed with Schistosoma mansoni coinfection. We characterized Gag-specific responses in HIV-1-positive Ugandans with and without S. mansoni coinfection. We observed no significant difference in the frequency of IFN-gamma CD8+ T cells between the two groups. Interestingly, expression of CD107, a marker for cytolytic activity, was significantly lower in volunteers with S. mansoni coinfection compared with those with HIV-1 infection alone (p = 0.002). In contrast, the frequency of IL-10-positive Gag-specific CD8+ T cell responses was higher in volunteers with S. mansoni coinfection (p = 0.004). Analysis of human CMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses in the same individuals failed to reveal a similar pattern of altered CD107 and IL-10 expression. Our results suggest that S. mansoni coinfection is associated with decreased Gag-specific CD8+ cytolytic T cell responses and increased number of Gag-specific IL-10 positive CD8+ T cells. Our findings may have important implications toward the implementation of HIV preventive and therapeutic programs in Africa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • Gene Products, gag
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-10 / biosynthesis*
  • Lysosomal Membrane Proteins
  • Middle Aged
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / complications*
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Gene Products, gag
  • Lysosomal Membrane Proteins
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interferon-gamma