Perspectives on the role of CD8+ cell suppressor factors and cytotoxic T lymphocytes during HIV infection.
It is clear that HIV burden drives CD8+ cell expansion and activation in vivo, but it has been difficult to determine whether the CD8+ cell response represents a significant anti-HIV force during the natural history of infection. This issue is illustrated by the fact that CD8+ cells cannot clear HIV infection, providing less than satisfactory evidence that CD8+ cells have any substantial effect on viral replication in vivo. The diligent efforts of a number of laboratories, however, are revealing the magnitude of the anti-HIV CD8+ cell arsenal. It is now well established that CD8+ cells can suppress viral dissemination and rates of HIV transcription in addition to their ability to destroy virus-infected cells directly. This is achieved through production of a growing family of HIV suppressor factors. These exciting developments are paving the way for new studies to readdress and potentially redefine the role of HIV-specific CD8+ cell responses during HIV infection. As we complete our understanding of how these effector activities work in concert to oppose HIV, the potential that CD8+ cell responses can be manipulated by vaccination or used in conjunction with HAART holds promise in the ongoing effort to eradicate HIV infection in chronically infected individuals.
Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, 90095, USA.
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Ferbas
D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans