The relationship between IL-2 cytokine secretion and CD4 T-lymphocyte depletion in people living with HIV/AIDS, in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the relationship between IL-2 cytokine secretion and CD4 T-lymphocyte depletion in People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAS) in Enugu, Nigeria. Thirty (30) subjects were recruited into each of the three study groups:-Diagnostic HIV positive (A), HIV positive subjects on antiretroviral drugs (HAART) (B) and HIV negative control group (C). HIV load was estimated using Real-Time PCR with TaqMan Chemistry. Concentration of IL-2 cytokine was determined using ELISA technique, while CD4 T-lymphocyte count was done with C6 Acurri flow cytometer system. Levels of significance were tested using  Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis statistic and Dunn’s Multiple Comparison Test at p<0.05. IL-2 cytokine secretion increased significantly in group B (99.32±43.83) as compared to A (52.57±23.53) and C (66.50±29.90). A significant reduction in mean CD4 Tlymphocyte count in groups A (246.60±186.10) and B (255.40±168.70) was recorded. Similarly, the mean viral load of group B (145591.00±259499.00) was significantly reduced. Although there was elevation of IL-2 cytokine secretion during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), with down regulation of viral burden, no corresponding increase in T-cell proliferation was recorded; indicating a possible qualitative defect in the IL-2 cytokines produced during antiretroviral drug  intervention or poor expression of IL-2 receptors on CD4 Tlymphocytes.

Key Words: CD4 T-lymphocyte, IL-2 cytokine, Antiretroviral drug, HIV-infection and Viral load.