title: HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in seropositive individuals.
abstract: Virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) which kill virus-infected cells are thought to be a major host defence against viral infections. Here we report the existence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific CTL in persons infected with this virus, the aetiological agent of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Recombinant HIV-vaccinia viruses were used to express HIV antigens in B-cell lines established from subjects seropositive for HIV and seronegative controls. Circulating lymphocytes capable of killing HIV env-expressing autologous B cells were detected in eight of eight seropositive subjects; in addition, at least three seropositive subjects demonstrated gag-specific cytotoxic responses. No HIV-specific cytotoxicity was observed in seronegative subjects. Selective inhibition of the env-specific cytotoxicity by a CD3-specific monoclonal antibody indicates that the effectors are T cells. This demonstration of a cytotoxic T-cell immune response to HIV in infected individuals should prove useful in investigating the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection further and in evaluating AIDS vaccine strategies.
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005796:Genes; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006678:HIV / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012703:Serotyping; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000235:genetics