NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Purified T cells from highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-treated HIV patients appear to be in a pre-activated state with abnormal pre-stimulation levels of cytokine gene expression, according to Norwegian researchers.
In the January 23rd issue of AIDS, Dr. Kjetil Tasken of the University of Oslo and colleagues note that cytokines appear to play a critical role in HIV infection.
To investigate further, the researchers studied cytokine gene expression in T-cells from HIV infected patients receiving HAART.
Compared to healthy controls, 45% of analyzed cytokine-related genes were expressed at twofold or greater levels and a third were hypo-responsive upon activation.
In addition, greater numbers of genes were regulated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) agonists in activated T cells from patients than controls. Most were down-regulated. The opposite was seen in controls.
Moreover, in patient cells, certain genes were opposingly regulated by cAMP agonists and antagonists, indicating, say the investigators, “some level of tonic regulation by cAMP.”
Dr. Guido Poli of San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy, author of an accompanying editorial, told Reuters Health that “the analysis was limited to mRNA expression levels. This may not necessarily translate into higher concentrations of the related proteins.”
“Nevertheless,” he concluded, “the approach has provided an interesting perspective on the difficult experimental design task of asking the right questions and choosing appropriate controls.”
Source: AIDS 2004;18:171-179 [ Google search on this article ]
MeSH Headings:Activation Analysis: Biological Sciences: Biology: Chemistry: Chemistry, Analytical: Gene Expression Regulation: Genetics: Genetics, Biochemical: Investigative Techniques: Molecular Biology: Physical Sciences: Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment: Biological Sciences: Physical SciencesCopyright © 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
