Researchers are evaluating the safety and efficacy, and
immunologic and virologic responses, of quadruple-combination anti-HIV therapy in acutely infected subjects.
The hypersensitivity response in HP is a combined process, consisting of both a type III
immunologic reaction (e.g., Gell and Coombs reaction) that produces blood precipitin antibodies, and a type IV lymphocytic reaction that initiates granulomatous inflammation in the distal bronchioles and alveoli (11).
Because the otosclerotic focus usually is in close contact with inner ear fluids, an
immunologic reaction of the inner ear immune system, presumably in the endolymphatic sac, should be observed.
Evaluation of HIV-1 immunogen, an
immunologic modifier, administered to patients infected with HIV having 300 to 549 X [10.sup.6]/L CD4 cell counts: A randomized controlled trial.
[8] Regardless of what its direct
immunologic effects are, immunotherapy is an effective management tool in the treatment of allergic rhinosinusitis.
Some of these cutaneous disorders stem from
immunologic changes, while others are nonimmunologic or are side effects of antiviral treatment, said Dr.
To ensure adequate immunity against disease, vaccinations frequently are followed by booster shots to stimulate an individual's "
immunologic memory.' Two studies--one in the first humans known to be injected with an experimental AIDS vaccine, the other in chimpanzees--are suggesting that this so-called anamnestic response could be a viable part of AIDS vaccination.
Another section shows how knowledge of microbial pathogenesis can affect vaccine design, including Rolf Zinkernagel's well-written chapter on
immunologic memory.
In general, exposure of marine mammals to persistent chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants and their metabolites has been implicated as a causative factor in sterility, growth retardation, perturbation of
immunologic function, and reproductive abnormalities.
Clinical outcome of patients with HIV-1 infection according to
immunologic and virologic response after 6 months of highly active antiretroviral therapy.
"If emotional distress in these situations is comparable to that of medical students during examinations, then similar
immunologic changes may be expected.'
An
immunologic rationale for linking the two diseases has been proposed (5).
The etiologies of these disorders are poorly understood but are thought to include genetic, metabolic,
immunologic, and infectious or other environmental influences.
Data from San Francisco General Hospital show that therapy provides a clinical and
immunologic benefit for 2 years or longer in many patients whose plasma viremia is not well controlled.
One of the more elegant methods of
immunologic tinkering involves manipulating a molecule with the inelegant name anti-idiotypic antibody.
