Abstract
Human major histocompatibility complex class I antigens (HLA-A, -B, and -C) are heterodimeric molecules composed of a α heavy chain noncovalently associated with an invariant protein known as β2-microglobulin. Beside being expressed on the membrane of the large majority of nucleated cells, HLA class I antigens are evident in serum (sHLA-I). We have previously detected a significant increase in the serum level of β2-microglobulin-associated HLA-I antigens in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients compared with HIV-negative controls. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) modified the clinical course of the disease and decreased the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related morbidity and mortality. Therefore, we measured the levels of sHLA-I antigens in 64 HIV-infected patients before and during HAART treatment and correlated them with the imunological and virological response to antiretroviral treatment. Serum sHLA-I antigen level was elevated in all HIV-infected patients before and significantly decreased after 36 months of HAART treatment, correlating with the decrease of plasma HIV-RNA level and with the increase of CD4+ T-lymphocyte number. These results suggest that the measurement of sHLA-I antigens serum level might represent a useful surrogate marker to monitor HIV-positive patients undergoing HAART treatment.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 894-900 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Human Immunology |
Volume | 68 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2007 |
Keywords
- AIDS
- HAART
- HIV
- Soluble HLA molecules
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Immunology and Allergy