Detection of CD4(+) T-cell antibodies in a patient with idiopathic CD4 T lymphocytopenia and cryptococcal meningitis

Disseminated cryptococcosis with varicella-zoster virus coinfection of idiopathic CD4 + T lymphocytopenia: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic CD4 + T lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a rare immunodeficiency syndrome, unaccompanied by various opportunistic infections. Cryptococcus and varicella-zoster viruse are the most common opportunistic infections.

METHOD

We described a case of disseminated cryptococcosis with varicella-zoster virus coinfection in a patient with ICL and reviewed all published reports. A total of 26 cases with cryptococcal meningitis in ICL were enrolled.

DISCUSSION

ICL remains poorly understood to clinicians. Patients with cryptococcal meningitis in ICL mostly suffered with headache and fever in a subacute or chronic period, while some patients might have atypical manifestations which makes a difficulty for early diagnosis. Some characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid can help to predict the prognosis of the disease. Cryptococcosis with varicella-zoster virus coinfection is rare but serious.

CONCLUSION

We recommed CD4 + T cells should be assessed in patients with unusual or recurrent infections. As the underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood, there is no standard therapy for ICL. Increased awareness of the disease and early prevention for CD4 reduction are needed.

Prevalence and pathogenicity of autoantibodies in patients with idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia

BACKGROUNDIdiopathic CD4 lymphopenia (ICL) is defined by persistently low CD4+ cell counts (<300 cells/μL) in the absence of a causal infection or immune deficiency and can manifest with opportunistic infections. Approximately 30% of ICL patients develop autoimmune disease. The prevalence and breadth of their autoantibodies, however, and their potential contribution to pathogenesis of ICL remain unclear.METHODSWe hybridized 34 and 51 ICL patients' sera to a 9,000-human-proteome array and to a 128-known-autoantigen array, respectively. Using a flow-based method, we characterized the presence of anti-lymphocyte Abs in the whole cohort of 72 patients, as well as the Ab functional capability of inducing Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement deposition, and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). We tested ex vivo the activation of the classical complement pathway on ICL CD4+ T cells.RESULTSAll ICL patients had a multitude of autoantibodies mostly directed against private (not shared) targets and unrelated quantitatively or qualitatively to the patients' autoimmune disease status. The targets included lymphocyte intracellular and membrane antigens, confirmed by the detection by flow of IgM and IgG (mostly IgG1 and IgG4) anti-CD4+ cell Abs in 50% of the patients, with half of these cases triggering lysis of CD4+ T cells. We also detected in vivo classical complement activation on CD4+ T cells in 14% of the whole cohort.CONCLUSIONOur data demonstrate that a high prevalence of autoantibodies in ICL, some of which are specific for CD4+ T cells, may contribute to pathogenesis, and may represent a potentially novel therapeutic target.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT00867269.FUNDINGNIAID and National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the NIH.

Characterization of autoantibodies, immunophenotype and autoimmune disease in a prospective cohort of patients with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia

OBJECTIVE

Characterize autoantibodies and autoimmune diseases in a prospective cohort of patients with Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia (ICL) a rare immunodeficiency characterized by an absolute CD4⁺ T count of <300 cells/μl in the absence of HIV or HTLV infection.

METHODS

Single-Center prospective study of 67 patients conducted over an 11-year period. Rheumatologic evaluation and measurement of autoantibodies were systematically conducted, and flow cytometry of immune cell subsets was performed in a subset of patients.

RESULTS

54% of referred patients had clinical evidence of autoimmunity, with 34% having at least one autoimmune disease, most commonly autoimmune thyroid disease. 19%, had autoantibodies or incomplete features of autoimmune disease. Patients with autoimmune disease had more elevated serum immunoglobulins, and more effector memory T cells than those without autoimmunity.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence of autoimmunity, including autoimmune diseases, is more prevalent in ICL than the general population, and should be considered part of this syndrome.

Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia: Current Insights

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia is a condition characterized by low CD4 counts. It is rare and most of the information about this illness comes from case reports. Presentation is usually in the 4th decade of life with opportunistic infections, autoimmune disease or neoplasia. The pathophysiology of this condition is not well understood. Management revolves around treatment of the presenting condition and close follow-up of these patients. This review presents a narrative summary of the current literature on idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia.

Combined Action of Anti-CD4 Autoantibodies and Rheumatoid Factor in the Development of CD4 Lymphocytopenia in Rats Immunized with HIV-1 gp120

The development of immunodeficiency in HIV-infected patients is known to result from CD4⁺ lymphocyte depletion. Most CD4⁺ lymphocyte cells destined to die are not infected. The mechanism of HIV-uninfected cell death has not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to examine the role of anti-CD4 autoantibodies and physiological rheumatoid factor (RF) in the development of CD4⁺ lymphocytopenia. Immunization of Wistar rats with gp120 HIV-1 induces chronic production of anti-CD4 autoantibodies and decreases CD4⁺ lymphocytes in the blood. However, the anti-CD4 autoantibodies produced as part of the immune response to gp120 do not kill CD4⁺ cells directly. In rats producing anti-CD4 autoantibodies, a low level of peripheral CD4 lymphocytes is associated with high blood RF levels. The sera containing RF killed lymphocytes when the lymphocytes were pretreated with sera containing anti-CD4 autoantibodies. Thus, the death of CD4⁺ lymphocytes in rats immunized with gp120 is a result of the combined action of anti-CD4 autoantibodies and RF, and the action of these factors can be separated in time. The fact that two signals are needed for CD4⁺ lymphocyte death in HIV gp120-immunized rats does not contradict the hypothesis of the activation-induced death of uninfected CD4⁺ cells in HIV-infected humans.

Idiopathic lymphocytopenia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Idiopathic CD4⁺ lymphocytopenia (ICL) is defined by the reduction of the main lymphocyte subtype in peripheral blood and CD4⁺ T cells below 300/μl in the absence of any secondary known causes of lymphopenia, including viral causes. The present review aims to state the latest available data on clinical, pathological and therapeutic aspects related to ICL, published from 1990 to 2014. The last observed clinical presentation and complications of ICL patients are described. The latest findings and possible mechanisms involved in the development of ICL features are included in the present review; however, pathogenesis of ICL has remained mainly obscured. Finally, recent therapeutic efforts considered in ICL patients are discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

In spite of the serious complications ICL has on the patients' quality of life, data on clinical, etiopathological and therapeutic behavior for ICL are very limited. On one side, an abnormal blood cell count may be the sole presentation; however, occurrence of disseminated malignant tumors is not uncommon in patients. Recent findings highlight the role of cytokines, especially interleukin-2, on features such as phenotype severity and responsiveness of the condition to therapy. In addition, some studies have suggested that a defect in hematopoietic stem cells may be involved in disease progression, an idea that is supported by the success of bone marrow transplantation in acquiring persistent remissions in ICL patients.

SUMMARY

ICL is a hematologic condition of increasing importance due to its diverse clinical and pathological spectrum. Molecular studies have shown the presence of mutations involved in lymphocyte development as potential factors that may contribute to ICL occurrence. ICL patients could present either with common infections or really serious malignant conditions. The role of cytokines, especially interleukin-2, has emerged as one of the main possible mechanisms involved in clinical and pathological behavior of ICL. Today, the main therapeutic approaches are controlling life-threatening infections and underlying disorders along with efforts to cure ICL through rising CD4⁺ cell counts using cytokine interventions and transplantation.

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia with giant cell arteritis and pulmonary mucormycosis

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL) is characterized by a low CD4+ lymphocyte count in the absence of HIV or other underlying etiologies. We report a case of a 57-year old man with ICL and giant cell arteritis (GCA) who developed pulmonary mucormycosis, which, to our knowledge, is the first report of these occurring in a patient with ICL. Abnormally low total lymphocyte or CD4+ cell counts occurring in patients with autoimmune disorders should alert clinicians to the possibility of ICL. Immunosuppressive treatment should be used with caution in this context.

Cryptococcus neoformans meningoencephalitis in a patient with polyarteritis nodosa

Case of 59-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a number of comorbidities, who has developed meningoencephalitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii with polyarteritis nodosa diagnosed during hospitalization, was presented. Before evidence of meningoencephalitis, the patient was being treated with ketoconazole and low doses of fluconazole (200 mg/day) for alleged candidiasis. The dosage was increased (800 mg/day) following laboratory diagnosis of C. neoformans based on positive latex agglutination test and biochemical identification of encapsulated yeast isolated from the blood and CSF. Later, the yeast identification was confirmed by sequencing analysis. Owing to inadequate clinical response, fluconazole therapy was switched to voriconazole (400 mg/day) and later to intravenous amphotericin B (1.0 mg/kg per day). Despite of a temporary stabilization and improvement, which correlated with decline of cryptococcal antigen titers (from 1:1024 to 1:8), after 6 weeks, the patient's underlying condition deteriorated due to severe pancolitis and serious nosocomial bacterial infections. The patient died of multiorgan failure several days later. Our case demonstrates a possible connection between the development of life-threatening cryptococcosis and an autoimmune vasculitis disease and emphasizes that the outcome of the management of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis is highly dependent on early diagnosis, adequate treatment, including dosage, and last but not least control of underlying disease and risk factors.

Cryptococcal meningitis: description of 3 cases and estimation of T-cell subsets

OBJECTIVES

To describe three cases of cryptococcus neoformans meningitis and evaluate their cellular immunity.

METHODS

This study involved three cases of cryptococcus neoformans meningitis admitted to Children's Hospital of Shanxi Province between July 2010 and July 2011. Clinical presentations, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome in these cases has been discussed.

RESULTS

Staining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with India ink showed Cryptococcus neoformans. Flow cytometric analysis of T-cell subsets revealed that their cellular immunity were depressed, which mainly embodies decline in CD4+ levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors speculate that decreased CD4+ T lymphocyte counts are attributed to cryptococcal infection, emphasizing the significance and importance of evaluating cellular immunity in patients who present with unusual infections. Early diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis and appropriate antifungal therapy are essential to achieve a better outcome.

Idiopathic CD4 Lymphocytopenia: Spectrum of opportunistic infections, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL) was first defined in 1992 by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the repeated presence of a CD4+ T lymphocyte count of fewer than 300 cells per cubic millimeter or of less than 20% of total T cells with no evidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and no condition that might cause depressed CD4 counts. Most of our knowledge about ICL comes from scattered case reports. The aim of this study was to collect comprehensive data from the previously published cases to understand the characteristics of this rare condition. We searched the PubMed database and Science Direct for case reports since 1989 for Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia cases. We found 258 cases diagnosed with ICL in 143 published papers. We collected data about age, sex, pathogens, site of infections, CD4 count, CD8 count, CD4:CD8 ratio, presence of HIV risk factors, malignancies, autoimmune diseases and whether the patients survived or died. The mean age at diagnosis of first opportunistic infection (or ICL if no opportunistic infection reported) was 40.7 ± 19.2 years (standard deviation), with a range of 1 to 85. One-sixty (62%) patients were males, 91 (35.2%) were females, and 7 (2.7%) patients were not identified whether males or females. Risk factors for HIV were documented in 36 (13.9%) patients. The mean initial CD4 count was 142.6 ± 103.9/mm³ (standard deviation). The mean initial CD8 count was 295 ± 273.6/mm³ (standard deviation). The mean initial CD4:CD8 ratio was 0.6 ± 0.7 (standard deviation). The mean lowest CD4 count was 115.4 ± 87.1/mm³ (standard deviation). The majority of patients 226 (87.6%) had at least one infection. Cryptococcal infections were the most prevalent infections in ICL patients (26.6%), followed by mycobacterial infections (17%), candidal infections (16.2%), and VZV infections (13.1%). Malignancies were reported in 47 (18.1%) patients. Autoimmune diseases were reported in 37 (14.2%) patients.

Warts and all: human papillomavirus in primary immunodeficiencies

Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is almost universal and eventually asymptomatic, but pathologic infection with HPV is severe, recurrent, and recalcitrant to therapy. It is also an underappreciated manifestation of primary immunodeficiency. Mutations in EVER1, EVER2, GATA2, CXCR4, and dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) are typically associated with extensive HPV infections, whereas several other primary immune defects result in severe HPV much less frequently. We review immunodeficiencies with severe HPV infections and the mechanisms underlying them.

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia: a case of missing, wandering or ineffective T cells

Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a presumed heterogenous syndrome with key element low CD4 T-cell counts (below 300/mm³) without evidence of HIV infection or other known immunodeficiency. The etiology, pathogenesis, and management of ICL remain poorly understood and inadequately defined. The clinical presentation can range from serious opportunistic infections to incidentally diagnosed asymptomatic individuals. Cryptococcal and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy are the most significant presenting infections, although the spectrum of opportunistic diseases can be similar to that in patients with lymphopenia and HIV infection. Malignancy is common and related to opportunistic pathogens with an oncogenic potential. Autoimmune diseases are also seen in ICL with an increased incidence. The etiology of ICL is unknown. Mechanisms implicated in CD4 reduction may include decreased production, increased destruction, and tissue sequestration. New distinct genetic defects have been identified in certain patients with ICL, supporting the hypothesis of the lack of a common etiology in this syndrome. The management of ICL is focused on the treatment of opportunistic infections, appropriate prophylactic antibiotics, and close monitoring. In selected patients with life-threatening infections or profound immunodeficiency, strategies to increase T-cell counts or enhance immune function could be considered and have included interleukin-2, interferon-gamma, interleukin-7, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The prognosis is influenced by the accompanying opportunistic infections and may be affected by publication bias of severe cases with unfavorable outcomes. As newer laboratory investigation techniques are being developed and targeted experimental treatments become available, our comprehension and prognosis of this rare syndrome could be significantly improved.

[Lymphocytopenia: aetiology and diagnosis, when to think about idiopathic CD4(+) lymphocytopenia?]

Une lymphopénie est définie par un nombre de lymphocytes circulants inférieur à 1500/mm³ chez l’adulte et 4500/mm³ chez l’enfant avant huit mois. La lymphopénie peut être globale ou sélective, affectant une population lymphocytaire particulière. Le diagnostic étiologique doit tenir compte de l’âge, du contexte, des manifestations clinicobiologiques associées et des thérapeutiques reçues. Les lymphopénies de l’adulte peuvent être liées schématiquement à : (1) une insuffisance de production (carence en zinc, corticothérapie, déficits immunitaires primitifs…), (2) un excès de catabolisme (radiothérapie, chimiothérapie, traitements immunosuppresseurs, infection par le VIH ou lupus systémique, etc.), (3) une modification de la répartition des lymphocytes (infections virales, choc septique, brûlures étendues, hypersplénisme, granulomatoses, etc.), (4) les étiologies multifactorielles ou non identifiées (insuffisance rénale chronique, certaines hémopathies lymphoïdes, tumeur solide, causes ethniques, etc.). Chez l’enfant, à ces étiologies s’ajoutent d’autres déficits immunitaires primitifs d’expression sévère (défaut des précurseurs thymiques, déficit cytokinique, défaut de synthèse des récepteurs des lymphocytes B et T et défaut de la transduction du signal ou des interactions cellulaires). La lymphopénie CD4⁺ idiopathique de l’adulte est un diagnostic d’élimination. Cette affection rare se définit par une lymphopénie T CD4⁺ inférieure ou égale à 300/mm³ ou inférieure ou égale à 20 % des lymphocytes totaux, persistante en l’absence de diagnostic alternatif. Elle peut être asymptomatique, s’associer à des infections à germes opportunistes, ou se compliquer de symptômes auto-immuns (en particulier cytopénies) ainsi que de néoplasies. Le traitement, calqué sur la prise en charge des patients infectés par le VIH, peut nécessiter le recours à une immunothérapie spécifique dont le bénéfice clinique reste à évaluer.

Idiopathic CD4+ T-cell lymphocytopenia

Idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia (ICL) is an unusual immune defect in which there is an unexplained deficit of CD4+ T cells, leading to serious opportunistic infections. In view of the rarity of this clinical entity, we report two cases of ICL who presented with low CD4+ count or percentage and various opportunistic infections like candida, cytomegalovirus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Multiple immune abnormalities in a patient with idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia

Idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a new disease entity characterized by CD4+ T-lymphocyte depletion without evidence of HIV infection. We report a 27-year-old ICL patient with a long history of multiple immune abnormalities. His CD4+ T-lymphocyte count started to decrease after generalized lymphadenopathy of an unknown cause at age 3. He satisfied the criteria for ICL at age 9, and the decreased CD4+ T-lymphocyte count persisted for more than 18 years. This is probably the first childhood-onset ICL case in which the trigger event for the development was known together with the patient's autoimmune background.

Managing cryptococcosis in the immunocompromised host

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Expanding access to antiretroviral treatment has dramatically improved the long-term prognosis of patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal disease who survive the acute infection. However, the incidence and acute mortality of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis remain high. In this context, this review summarizes urgently needed recent work aimed at improving the acute management of cryptococcal infection in immunocompromised hosts.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies have started to optimize antifungal regimens and address the complications of raised cerebrospinal fluid pressure and cryptococcal immune reconstitution syndrome. Amphotericin B at 1 mg/kg per day has been shown to be more rapidly fungicidal than the standard dose of 0.7 mg/kg per day, and new data support the importance of combination therapy with flucytosine. Amphotericin B and fluconazole at 800 mg is an alternative combination that appears superior to amphotericin B alone. At a dosage of 400 mg per day, fluconazole alone is much less rapidly fungicidal than amphotericin B and is associated with the development of secondary resistance.

SUMMARY

Recent findings support the use of rapidly fungicidal initial antifungal therapy with amphotericin B-based combination treatment. Where amphotericin B treatment is not yet feasible, studies are needed to optimize oral regimens. Based on accumulating data on rate of clearance of infection, the most promising new regimens in terms of fungicidal activity and safety could be selected for clinical endpoint trials.

Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia: natural history and prognostic factors

Idiopathic CD4(+) lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a rare non-HIV-related syndrome with unclear natural history and prognosis. This prospective natural history cohort study describes the clinical course, CD4 T lymphocyte kinetics, outcome, and prognostic factors of ICL. Thirty-nine patients (17 men, 22 women) 25 to 85 years old with ICL were evaluated between 1992 and 2006, and 36 were followed for a median of 49.5 months. Cryptococcal and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections were the major presenting opportunistic infections. Seven patients presented with no infection. In 32, CD4 T-cell counts remained less than 300/mm(3) throughout the study period and in 7 normalized after an average of 31 months. Overall, 15 (41.6%) developed an opportunistic infection in follow-up, 5 (13.8%) of which were "AIDS-defining clinical conditions," and 4 (11.1%) developed autoimmune diseases. Seven patients died, 4 from ICL-related opportunistic infections, within 42 months after diagnosis. Immunologic analyses revealed increased activation and turnover in CD4 but not CD8 T lymphocytes. CD8 T lymphocytopenia (< 180/mm(3)) and the degree of CD4 T cell activation (measured by HLA-DR expression) at presentation were associated with adverse outcome (opportunistic infection-related death; P = .003 and .02, respectively).