Dysregulated Humoral Immunity to Nontyphoidal Salmonella in HIV-Infected African Adults

Abstract

HIV and Salmonella HIV-positive individuals who are infected with nontyphoidal strains of Salmonella enterica often succumb to high morbidity and mortality. Why this is the case is unknown. MacLennan et al. (p. 508 ; see the Perspective by Moir and Fauci ) have uncovered a dysregulated antibody response to Salmonella that is the likely culprit. Sera from HIV-infected individuals do a poor job of killing S. Typhimurium, despite surprisingly elevated antibody titers. Experiments showed that HIV-infected serum inhibited the power of normal serum to kill Salmonella . Inhibition was specific to antibodies against lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the cell wall of Salmonella . Hence, HIV-infected sera was able to kill Salmonella strains lacking LPS, and removing LPS immunoglobulin G from infected sera permitted Salmonella killing. Thus, not only does HIV cause defects in cell-mediated immunity but it also seems to impair humoral immunity, with severe consequences for multiple infections.