Tissue-associated cytokine expression in HIV-positive persons with oropharyngeal candidiasis

Abstract

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), caused by Candida albicans, is the most common infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive persons. Although CD4+ T cells are considered to be important for host defense against C. albicans at the oral mucosa, a recent immunohistochemical evaluation of T cells in OPC lesions of HIV-positive persons with reduced CD4+ T cells showed high numbers of CD8+ T cells. The present study investigated tissue-associated expression of cytokine and chemokine mRNA at the site of infection. Results showed some effects of HIV (primarily increased chemokine mRNA levels) but little effect of blood CD4+ T cells. In contrast, mRNA for several proinflammatory, T helper, and CD8+ T cell-associated cytokines and chemokines were increased in subjects with OPC versus those without. These results support the presence of CD8+ T cells in OPC lesions and suggest evidence for a response against OPC, despite reduced levels of CD4+ T cells.