HIV-induced cysteine deficiency and T-cell dysfunction--a rationale for treatment with N-acetylcysteine

Immunol Today. 1992 Jun;13(6):211-4. doi: 10.1016/0167-5699(92)90156-2.

Abstract

Markedly decreased plasma cystine and cysteine concentrations have been found in HIV-infected patients at all stages of the disease and in SIV-infected rhesus macaques. The elevated glutamate levels found in the same patients aggravate the cysteine deficiency by inhibiting the membrane transport activity for cystine. The intact immune system appears to require a delicate balance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant conditions, maintained by a limited and well-regulated supply of cysteine. This balance is obviously disturbed in HIV infection and may contribute to the pathogenesis of AIDS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / pharmacology
  • Acetylcysteine / therapeutic use*
  • Cysteine / blood
  • Cysteine / deficiency*
  • Cystine / blood
  • Cystine / deficiency
  • Glutamates / blood
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • HIV Infections / blood
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Palliative Care*
  • Superoxides / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Glutamates
  • Superoxides
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Cystine
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Glutathione
  • Cysteine
  • Oxygen
  • Acetylcysteine