Tissue-Associated Cytokine Expression in HIVPositive Persons with Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), caused by Candida albicans, is the most common infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive persons. Although CD4+ T cells are considered to be important for host defense against C. albicans at the oral mucosa, a recent immunohistochemical evaluation of T...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of infectious diseases 2004-08, Vol.190 (3), p.605-612
Main Authors: Lilly, Elizabeth A., Hart, Darrenn J., Leigh, Janet E., Hager, Shannon, McNulty, Kelly M., Mercante, Donald E., Fidel, Paul L.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), caused by Candida albicans, is the most common infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive persons. Although CD4+ T cells are considered to be important for host defense against C. albicans at the oral mucosa, a recent immunohistochemical evaluation of T cells in OPC lesions of HIV-positive persons with reduced CD4+ T cells showed high numbers of CD8+ T cells. The present study investigated tissue-associated expression of cytokine and chemokine mRNAat the site of infection. Results showed some effects of HIV (primarily increased chemokine mRNA levels) but little effect of blood CD4+ T cells. In contrast, mRNA for several proinflammatory, T helper, and CD8+ T cell-associated cytokines and chemokines were increased in subjects with OPC versus those without. These results support the presence of CD8+ T cells in OPC lesions and suggest evidence for a response against OPC, despite reduced levels of CD4+ T cells.
ISSN:0022-1899
1537-6613
DOI:10.1086/422154