Reduction of immunity in HIV-infected individuals: Can fibrosis induce hypoplasia in palatine and lingual tonsils of individuals with HIV infection?

The role of tonsils in oral immunity has been described. However, the pathogenesis of HIV infection in these organs is still unclear. The aim of this study is to perform histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the palatine and lingual tonsils of autopsied individuals with or without HIV infection. Twenty-six autopsied individuals with HIV infection (HI) (n = 13) and without HIV infection (CO) (n = 13) were selected. Palatine and lingual tonsil fragments were collected for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. We found in the HI group a higher frequency of hyaline degeneration in both palatine and lingual tonsils; smaller follicle areas, and a higher percentage of collagen in comparison with the CO group. In the HI group, there was higher density of blood vessels in palatine tonsils than in the CO group. In the HI group, there were significant positive correlations between palatine and lingual tonsils and the area of lymphoid follicles, and between the percentage of blood vessels and collagen in palatine tonsils. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between the percentage of collagen and lymphoid follicle area in both palatine and lingual tonsils in the HI group. These findings suggest that the immune functions of these tonsils are prejudiced by fibrosis. Therapies to reduce the neoformation of collagen are required to improve immune function of organs against pathogens.