In vitro T cell function, delayed-type hypersensitivity skin testing, and CD4+ T cell subset phenotyping independently predict survival time in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

J Infect Dis. 1995 Jul;172(1):79-87. doi: 10.1093/infdis/172.1.79.

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected patients (n = 335) in the US Air Force HIV Natural History Program were followed for 3 years (mean) after skin testing, immunophenotyping of CD4+ cell subsets, and measurement of in vitro interleukin-2 production after stimulation by phytohemagglutinin, alloantigens, tetanus toxoid, and influenza A virus. The T cell functional assay predicted survival time (P < .001) and time for progression to AIDS (P = .014). Skin testing for tetanus, mumps, and Candida antigen and the total number of positive tests (P < .001 for each) stratified patients for survival time. In a multivariable proportional hazards model, the T cell functional assay (P = .008), the absolute number of CD4+ T cells (P = .001), the percentage of CD4+ CD29+ cells (P = .06), and the number of reactive skin tests (P < .001) predicted survival time. Thus, cellular immune functional tests have significant predictive value for survival time in HIV-1-infected patients independent of CD4+ cell count.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / mortality
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Adult
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / mortality*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed*
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Skin Tests
  • Survival Rate
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Time Factors
  • United States