Abstract
Self antigen prognostic for human immunodeficiency virus disease progression
Bristow,Cynthia L.; Patel,Hirenkumar; Arnold,Roland R.
Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology 8(5): 937-942
Publication date: 2001
We have recently found that an extracellular protein, a proteinase inhibitor (aPI; a antitrypsin), is required for in vitro human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infectivity outcome. We show here in a study of HIV-seropositive patients that decreased viral load is significantly correlated with decreased circulating aPI. In the asymptomatic category of HIV disease, 100% of patients manifest deficient levels of active aPI, a condition known to lead to degenerative lung diseases and a dramatically reduced life span. Further, HIV-associated aPI deficiency is correlated with circulating anti-aPI immunoglobulin G. These results suggest that preventing HIV-associated aPI deficiency may provide a strategic target for preventing HIV-associated pathophysiology.
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