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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Influence of GB virus C on IFN-gamma and IL-2 production and CD38 expression in T lymphocytes from chronically HIV-infected and HIV-HCV-co-infected patients

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Author(s):
Baggio-Zappia, Giovana Lotici [1] ; Barbosa, Aline de Jesus [1] ; Colo Brunialti, Milena Karina [1] ; Salomao, Reinaldo [1] ; Hernandes Granato, Celso Francisco [1, 2]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Disciplina Infectol, Lab Virol & Imunol, BR-04039032 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Fleury Med Diagnost, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz; v. 106, n. 6, p. 662-669, SEP 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 5
Abstract

This study was designed to assess the effect of GB virus (GBV)-C on the immune response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in chronically HIV-infected and HIV-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-co-infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy. A cohort of 159 HIV-seropositive patients, of whom 52 were HCV-co-infected, was included. Epidemiological data were collected and virological and immunological markers, including the production of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin (IL)-2 by CD4, CD8 and T gamma delta cells and the expression of the activation marker, CD38, were assessed. A total of 65 patients (40.8%) presented markers of GBV-C infection. The presence of GBV-C did not influence HIV and HCV replication or TCD4 and TCD8 cell counts. Immune responses, defined by IFN-gamma and IL-2 production and CD38 expression did not differ among the groups. Our results suggest that neither GBV-C viremia nor the presence of E2 antibodies influence HIV and HCV viral replication or CD4 T cell counts in chronically infected patients. Furthermore, GBV-C did not influence cytokine production or CD38-driven immune activation among these patients. Although our results do not exclude a protective effect of GBV-C in early HIV disease, they demonstrate that this effect may not be present in chronically infected patients, who represent the majority of patients in outpatient clinics. (AU)