Mucosal immune responses in four distinct compartments of women infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1: a comparison by site and correlation with clinical information

J Infect Dis. 1997 Feb;175(2):265-71. doi: 10.1093/infdis/175.2.265.

Abstract

Because mucosal immune responses may be important in protection against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), HIV-1-specific immune responses at mucosal sites in natural infection were compared. Total antibody concentrations and HIV-1-specific binding antibody responses in four distinct mucosal sites and serum were assessed in 41 HIV-infected and 19 HIV-seronegative women. HIV-1 gp160-specific IgG responses were detected in >99% of mucosal samples in infected subjects, with the highest titers in genital secretions. HIV-1-specific IgA was detected in the majority of endocervical secretions (94%) and nasal washes (95%) but less often in vaginal washes (51%) and parotid saliva (38%). There was no significant correlation between mucosal immune response and most clinical factors. Based on methodologic considerations, frequencies of detection, and HIV-1-specific responses, nasal washes and genital secretions may each provide important measures of HIV-1-specific mucosal immune responses in infected women.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cervix Uteri / immunology
  • Female
  • Genitalia, Female / immunology
  • HIV Antibodies / analysis*
  • HIV Antibodies / immunology*
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp160 / immunology
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Mucosal*
  • Immunoglobulin A / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin A / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin M / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Immunoglobulins / analysis
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Mucosa / immunology
  • Parotid Gland / immunology

Substances

  • HIV Antibodies
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp160
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunoglobulins