Inverse correlation between memory Gag-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and viral replication in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children.
A previous study showed that, during the first year of life, the presence of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children is associated with a lack of rapid progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The goal of the study was to address the role of CTLs in children who survived after age 5 years. Memory HIV-specific CTLs directed against Env, Gag, Nef, and Pol proteins were measured in a group of 47 highly active antiretroviral therapy-naive HIV-infected children. Both Gag- and Pol-specific CTLs were positively correlated with CD4(+) T cell counts. Gag-, Nef-, and Pol-specific CTLs were inversely correlated with virus load. The inverse correlation between virus load and Gag-specific CTLs was independent of CD4(+) T cell counts. In conclusion, this study showed the beneficial role of HIV-specific CTLs in children who survived after age 5 years.
Buseyne
Florence
F
Laboratoire d'Immunopathologie Virale, Unité de Recherche Associée Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 1930, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France. florence@pasteur.fr
Le Chenadec
Jérôme
J
Corre
Béatrice
B
Porrot
Françoise
F
Burgard
Marianne
M
Rouzioux
Christine
C
Blanche
Stéphane
S
Mayaux
Marie-Jeanne
MJ
Rivière
Yves
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015683:Gene Products, gag / Q000276:immunology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000276:immunology*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D019562:Viral Load; D014779:Virus Replication
D015683:Gene Products, gag; D012367:RNA, Viral