Monitoring of specific antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus
structural proteins: clinical significance
JP Allain, Y Laurian, MH Einstein, BP Braun, SR Delaney, JE Stephens, CK Daluga, SJ Dahlen and KM Knigge
Abbot Laboratories, Diagnostic Division, Abbott Park, IL 60064.
Levels of antibodies to six major structural proteins of human
immunodeficiency virus type 1 (gp120, gp41, p66, p31, p24, and p17) were
assessed in serial samples from 22 persons with severe hemophilia (16
asymptomatic and 6 who developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]
or AIDS-related complex) with an automated dot blot assay using purified
recombinant antigens. High and sustained levels of antibody to gp120, gp41,
and p31 were found in all patients irrespective of their clinical condition
for 4 to 6 years after seroconversion. In contrast, immune response to p66
and p17 was significantly lower in symptomatic patients. Over time, the
levels of these two antibodies, as well as anti-p24, decreased and tended
to become undetectable. Abnormal immune response and low levels of antibody
to p66 and p17 are early indications of rapid clinical progression.
Volume 77,
Issue 5,
pp. 1118-1123,
03/01/1991
Copyright © 1991 by The American Society of Hematology
