Primate Monocytes - CD14, CD16 - Ziegler-Heitbrock

CD16+ monocyte subset preferentially harbors HIV-1 and is expanded in pregnant Malawian Women with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria and HIV-1 Infection

Abstract

Background: CD16+ monocytes are increased in certain inflammatory and infectious diseases but have not been examined in the context of malaria or malaria/HIV coinfection. We examined the prevalence of this monocyte subset in pregnant and post-partum Malawian women with and without HIV or placental malaria and determined whether these cells preferentially harbor HIV-1. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, examining maternal peripheral, placental and cord blood monocyte subsets in pregnant Malawian women. Peripheral blood was collected from women in late third trimester and 12 weeks post-partum. Placental and cord blood samples were collected at delivery. Monocyte surface expression of CD14, CD16 and CCR5 was determined by flow cytometry. Monocyte subsets were isolated from maternal peripheral blood using antibody-coated magnetic beads and analyzed for HIV-1 DNA by PCR. Results: Malaria was associated with an increase in the proportion of CD16+ monocytes which was significant in women co-infected with HIV-1. CD16+ monocytes expressed higher CCR5 than CD14hi/CD16- monocytes and were significantly more likely to harbor HIV-1. Conclusions: These data suggest a role for CD16+ monocytes in the pathogenesis of maternal malaria and HIV-1 infections.