Open AccessImmature/transitional B-cell expansion is associated with bone loss in HIV-infected individuals with severe CD4+ T-cell lymphopenia
Author(s) -
Kehmia Titanji,
Ighovwerha Ofotokun,
M. Neale Weitzmann
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
aids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.195
H-Index - 216
eISSN - 1473-5571
pISSN - 0269-9370
DOI - 10.1097/qad.0000000000002563
Subject(s) - rankl , osteoprotegerin , medicine , bone mineral , osteoporosis , osteopenia , cytokine , b cell , immunology , receptor , activator (genetics) , antibody
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to a significant decline in HIV-related morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLWH). PLWH however experience non-AIDS ageing-associated comorbidities, including decreased bone mass and osteoporosis, earlier and more severely, than uninfected people. We previously reported that total B-cell production of the key osteoclastogenic cytokine receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) was elevated in PLWH, concurrent with a decrease in total B-cell production of RANKL's physiological moderator Osteoprotegerin (OPG). The resulting increased total B-cell RANKL/OPG ratio was significantly associated with bone loss in the appendicular (long bones), but not axial (spine) skeletons of PLWH. A role for immature/transitional B cells (BImm) in HIV-induced bone loss has not been reported.