We have shown that the Type C style of coping with stress (diminished ability to recognize and express stress/ distress/emotions) is related to HIV progression. We recently found in a study of 50 HIV+ patients in Baltimore, that stronger Type C coping is associated with decreased production of beta-chemokines that bind to the HIV co-receptor CCR5. Under the aegis of NIH, we have initiated a longitudinal study with a final N = 200 to evaluate the core hypothesis that lower production of the beta-chemokines MIP-1 α/β mediates the relationship between Type C coping and HIV progression.

Type C coping was assessed using Temoshok's Vignette Similarity Rating Method. Measurement of antigen-induced chemokine production from subjects' blood followed methods described in Garzino-Demo et a. PNAS 1999. Cells were incubated with media alone (control), p24 antigen, PHA, or candida. Supernatants were collected on day 3 and 6 for beta- chemokine measurements. Assays for MIP-1α/β were performed by commercial ELISA for the first 47 subjects.

Subjects who scored high on Type C coping (3,4,5) had a significantly lower mean stimulation index for MIP-1β by p24, compared to subjects low on Type C coping (2.7 vs. 5.0).

This replication in a separate sample strengthens our hypothesis about mechanisms mediating HIV progression.