Inverse relationship of CD8+CD11+ suppressor T cells with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific cellular cytotoxicity and natural killer cell activity in HIV infection.
Profiles of CD8+CD11+ T suppressor cells, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-env-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activities, and natural killer (NK) cell activity were studied in 12 asymptomatic untreated HIV-infected patients. These patients were followed for 4-7 months. NK activity, HIV-env-specific CTL activities mediated by CD4+, CD8+ T cells and CD8+CD11+ T-suppressor cell number remained stable in seven patients during the study period. Alternatively, NK and HIV-specific CTL activities decreased and CD8+CD11+ cell number increased in five patients whose CD4+ T-cell number fell, and in four of these five patients serum p24 antigen level increased, and they developed minor clinical signs of disease progression during the study period. CD8+CD11+ cells are present in higher percentage (10-45% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells) in these HIV-infected patients as compared to those in normal individuals (3-5%). Our results suggest that CD8+CD11+ cells, NK, and HIV-specific cytotoxic activities may be helpful in monitoring prognosis of HIV infection. These observations also suggest that CD8+CD11+ cells may play an important role in the failure of host immune defences against HIV.
Center for AIDS Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305.
S K
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Kundu
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TC
Merigan
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D018845:CD11 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D018845:CD11 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens