AIDS: A Noncommunicable Cofactor

Abstract

To the Editor.— There have been several reports inThe Journalin the past year on the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), including a COUNCIL REPORT. 1 None of them have, however, given consideration to the hypothesis 2 that the access of immunocompetent cells to the allogeneic enzyme transglutaminase (TGase), which is abundant in seminal plasma (SePl) and present in antihemophiliac factor(s) (AHF) is the possible common denominator responsible for immunosuppression in homosexuals and hemophiliacs. Failure to consider this hypothesis is paradoxical in view of, for example, evidence of the failure to see horizontal transmission of immune aberrations to the sexual partners of hemophiliacs even though the viral etiology of immunosuppression in AIDS is now apparent. These observations together with the occurrence of immunologic dysfunction in hemophiliacs treated with factor VIII or IX from donors from countries in which AIDS is still rare (for example, Scotland and Sweden) and the absence