Selective defect in plasmacyoid dendritic cell function in a patient with AIDS-associated atypical genital herpes simplex vegetans treated with imiquimod

Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Feb 1;44(3):e25-7. doi: 10.1086/510426. Epub 2006 Dec 29.

Abstract

We report a case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated, acyclovir-refractory genital herpes infection treated with topical imidazoquinoline therapy. The patient's plasmacytoid dendritic cells made a robust interferon- alpha response following in vitro stimulation with imidazoquinoline but not with herpes simplex virus. We hypothesize that disease resulting from defective herpes simplex virus-stimulated interferon- alpha may be overcome by stimulating intact alternative pathways.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / virology
  • Acyclovir / pharmacology
  • Adult
  • Aminoquinolines / therapeutic use*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Dendritic Cells / pathology*
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / immunology
  • Herpes Genitalis / drug therapy*
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod
  • Interferon Inducers / therapeutic use*
  • Male

Substances

  • Aminoquinolines
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon Inducers
  • Imiquimod
  • Acyclovir