The Warthin-Finkeldey-Type Giant Cell in HIV Infection, What Is It?

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Abstract
A study was conducted to ascertain the origin of the Warthin-Finkeldey-type giant cell that is common to lymphoid tissues of HIV-infected individuals. Light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in situ hybridization (ISH) (HIV-specific RNA), and immunohistochemistry (HIV p24, 0PD4, CD3, CD45 UCHL, CD21, CD35, S-100, p55 (actin-bundling protein), CD68, HAM56, α-1antitrypsin, α-1 -antichymotrypsin, and lysozyme) studies were performed on hyperplastic tonsil, adenoid, lymph node, and intestinal MALT specimens from HIV+ patients. Warthin-Finkeldey-type giant cells (WFTGC) and follicular dendritic cells (FDC) shared characteristic morphologic (high N; C ratio; crowded, irregular nuclei, thin filaments with dense bodies; desmosomes; and cilia) and immunophenotypic (CD21+ CD35+, S-100+, p55, and vimentin+) features. Also, transitional forms between binucleated FDC and WFTGC were identified by TEM. TEM and ISH revealed evidence of HIV expression by FDC, but not WFTGC. WFTGC in HIV lymphoid specimens displayed identical LM and IHC characteristics. The WFTGC in HIV infection appears to represent a multinucleated form of FDC.