Defective B-Lymphocyte Function in Homosexual Men in Relation to the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

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Abstract
Patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] manifest a wide spectrum of immunologic abnormalities. Polyclonal and antigen-specific differentiation of B lymphocytes into Ig and antibody-secreting cells was studied in-vitro in 3 groups of homosexual volunteers: asymptomatic men; men who were symptomatic but lacked clinical criteria for the AIDS; and those having the syndrome. Although mean responses of all 3 groups were significantly lower than those of healthy heterosexual male controls, those of the asymptomatic group were least affected. Abnormalities in the symptomatic group were equal to or greater than those of patients with the syndrome, but responses of the latter group were the least augmentable by in-vitro manipulations. Severe impairment of B-cell function appeared to favor clinical deterioration. Antibody replenishment might be of value as adjunctive therapy in persons with AIDS or as prophylaxis in certian at-risk persons.