During HIV infection, antibody can block B cells from fighting pathogens

(NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) For the first time, scientists have shown that in certain people living with HIV, a type of antibody called immunoglobulin G3 (IgG3) stops the immune system's B cells from doing their normal job of fighting pathogens. This phenomenon appears to be one way the body tries to reduce the potentially damaging effects of immune-system hyperactivity caused by the presence of HIV, according to the investigators, but in so doing, it also impairs normal immune function.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news