HIV Infection in Uncircumcised Men Is Associated With Altered CD8 T-cell Function But Normal CD4 T-cell Numbers in the Foreskin

January 1, 2014 by
Peace Mirembe (V3locity)

Prodger JL, Hirbod T, Gray R, Kigozi G, Nalugoda F, Galiwango R, Reynolds SJ, Huibner S, Wawer MJ, Serwadda D, Kaul R; The Rakai Genital Immunology Research Group.

J Infect Dis. 2014 Jan 2. [Epub ahead of print]. PMCID:PMC3969543


Abstract

Background: 

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected (HIV+) men are more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, and may be superinfected by HIV. We hypothesized that HIV induces immune alterations in the foreskin that may impact the subsequent acquisition/clearance of genital coinfections.

Methods: 

Foreskin tissue and blood were obtained from 70 HIV-uninfected and 20 HIV+ men undergoing circumcision. T cells were characterized by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction.

Results: 

There was substantial influx of CD8 T-cells into the foreskins of HIV+ men (108.8 vs 23.1 cells/mm(2); P < .001); but foreskin CD4 T-cell density was unchanged (43.0 vs 33.7/mm(2); P = .67), despite substantial blood depletion (409.0 vs 877.8 cells/µL; P < .001). While frequencies of foreskin C-C chemokine receptor type 5(+) (CCR5(+)) T cells, T regulatory cells, and T-helper 17 cells were unaltered in HIV+ men, CD8 T-cell production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) was decreased. HIV-specific CD8 T cells were present in the foreskins of HIV+ men, although their frequency and function was reduced compared to the blood.

Conclusions: 

Foreskin CD4 T-cell density and CCR5 expression were not reduced during HIV infection, perhaps explaining susceptibility to HIV superinfection. Foreskin CD8 T-cell density was increased, but decreased production of TNFα may enhance susceptibility to genital coinfections in HIV+ men.

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