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Autoantibodies against interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) can cause immunodeficiency and are associated with various opportunistic infections. In the present study, we investigated other cellular immune parameters for a better understanding of the immunodeficiency condition in the patients. The numbers of WBC, monocytes and NK cells were increased in patients with anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies (AAbs). Upon TCR activation, T cell proliferation and IL-2 receptor of the patients remained intact. Nonetheless, the Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ and TNF-α) production was up-regulated. The production of Th2 (IL-4) and Th17 (IL-17) cytokines was unchanged. We suggest that, in addition to the presence of anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies, alterations in the cellular immune functions may also contribute to this immunodeficiency.

Despite strong evidence that daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces HIV risk, effectiveness across studies has varied. Inconsistent adherence constitutes one explanation. Efforts to examine adherence are limited when they rely on self-reported measures. We examined recent adherence as measured by plasma tenofovir (TFV) concentration in participants of MTN-001, a phase 2 cross-over trial comparing oral tablet and vaginal gel formulations of TFV among 144 HIV-uninfected women at sites in the United States (US) and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Adherence to daily product use was higher in the US than in the SSA sites. Within region, however, adherence was similar between products. In the US, gel adherence was higher among married women, and lower among women using male condoms and injectable contraceptives. At the SSA sites, gel adherence was lower for younger women. Inconsistent adherence points to challenges in use of daily PrEP, even during a trial of short duration.

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