Distinct Defects in Marginal Zone B Cells and Filtration Function Characterize Hyposplenism in Persons With HIV-1 on Prolonged ART.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Persons with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease. This study explored filtration and immune function of the spleen, investigating predictors of hyposplenism in PWH on prolonged antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Method

We developed a flow cytometry protocol to enumerate Howell-Jolly bodies (HJBs) and marginal zone B cells (MZBs), comparing results from splenectomized patients and healthy donors. We then analyzed HJBs and MZBs in a cross-sectional study to investigate spleen impairment in 96 PWH on prolonged ART.

Results

Based on results obtained from asplenic patients and healthy controls, we determined optimal cutoff values of 0.05% for HJBs and 10% for MZBs; these allow accurate differentiation between the 2 groups. HJB results were well co

SUBMITTER: Debiesse S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12616002 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature