Open AccessGamma Interferon Production in Response toMycobacterium bovisBCG andMycobacterium tuberculosisAntigens in Infants Born to Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Mothers
Author(s) -
Annelies Van Rie,
Shabir А. Madhi,
Jayvant Heera,
Stephen MeddowsTaylor,
Aaron M. Wendelboe,
Fiona Anthony,
Avy Violari,
Caroline T. Tiemessen
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
clinical and vaccine immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.649
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1556-6811
pISSN - 1556-679X
DOI - 10.1128/cvi.13.2.246-252.2006
Subject(s) - immune system , antigen , immunology , mycobacterium bovis , tuberculosis , interferon gamma , biology , mycobacterium tuberculosis , bcg vaccine , in utero , population , vaccination , virology , medicine , fetus , pregnancy , genetics , pathology , environmental health
In utero sensitization to infectious pathogens can establish immunological memory and may influence the immune response to unrelated antigens. Little is known about the influence of intrauterine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exposure on the cellular immune response to mycobacterial antigens. Whole-blood culture gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production in response to mycobacterial antigens was measured at birth and 6 weeks of age to determine the characteristics of the IFN-γ response in HIV-exposed infants toMycobacterium bovis BCG and mycobacterial antigens. At birth, we observed an increased immune activation in response to phytohemagglutinin among HIV-exposed, uninfected infants. In a proportion of these infants, we also observed an increased immune activation in response to purified protein derivative, BCG, and early secreted antigen target 6. Increases in the IFN-γ response to the four antigens between birth and 6 weeks of age, observed in all HIV-unexposed infants, was absent in a substantial proportion of HIV-exposed, uninfected infants. The immunological differences persisted at 6 weeks of age, suggesting a sustained impact of in utero immune priming by HIV. Intrauterine exposure to HIV affects the infants' cellular immune response to mycobacterial antigens, either specifically or as a consequence of nonspecific, broadly reactive immune activation. Further studies will be important to help determine optimal vaccination and disease prevention strategies for this vulnerable population group.