Stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes of HIV-infected patients by jacalin, a lectin mitogenic for human CD4+ lymphocytes

Authors:
  • JBJean-Christophe Brugier
    Jean-Christophe Brugier
  • JBJean-Philippe Breux
    Jean-Philippe Breux
  • BBBertrand Becq-Giraudon
    Bertrand Becq-Giraudon
  • JDJean-Michel Descamps
    Jean-Michel Descamps
  • PAPierre Aucouturier
    Pierre Aucouturier
  • JPJean-Louis Preudʼhomme
    Jean-Louis Preudʼhomme
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Abstract
The proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by jacalin was investigated in 157 samples from 104 HIV-infected patients at various clinical stages of disease. Jacalin proliferative response correlated with the absolute numbers and percentages of CD4+ lymphocytes and with the percentages of Leu 8 lymphocytes. It correlated negatively with the percentages of CD8+ and CD38+ lymphocytes. It was depressed during acute HIV infection and at advanced stages. The response in Centers for Disease Control groups II and III was heterogeneous and similar; in both, some patients showed a very low response. Further follow-up of the present patients should indicate whether jacalin responsiveness has a prognostic value.