Anti-gp160 IgG and IgA antibodies associated with a large increase in total IgG in cervicovaginal secretions from human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected women.

To study the specific local immune response in vaginal fluids, 19 women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 and 23 seronegative controls were selected. Vaginal fluids were tested by ELISA for total IgG, IgA, and IgM levels and for specific IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies to gp160. Total IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations were 6.8-, 5.0-, and 2.5-fold higher, respectively, in HIV-1-infected women than in controls, with a positive correlation between IgG and IgA levels. IgG or IgA antibodies or both to gp160 were detected in 12 subjects (63%), whereas no IgM antibodies to gp160 were found. Anti-gp160 IgG strongly predominated. Serum samples were available for 11 women whose total IgG vaginal levels strongly correlated with total IgG in sera. These results suggest that transudation of serumborne antibodies is the main source of gp160-specific antibodies in the vaginal fluid of HIV-1-infected women.