Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific CD8+ T(EMRA) cells in early infection are linked to control of HIV-1 viremia and predict the subsequent viral load set point.
CD8(+) T cells are believed to play an important role in the control of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, despite intensive efforts, it has not been possible to consistently link the overall magnitude of the CD8(+) T-cell response with control of HIV-1. Here, we have investigated the association of different CD8(+) memory T-cell subsets responding to HIV-1 in early infection with future control of HIV-1 viremia. Our results demonstrate that both a larger proportion and an absolute number of HIV-1-specific CD8(+) CCR7(-) CD45RA(+) effector memory T cells (T(EMRA) cells) were associated with a lower future viral load set point. In contrast, a larger absolute number of HIV-1-specific CD8(+) CCR7(-) CD45RA(-) effector memory T cells (T(EM)) was not related to the viral load set point. Overall, the findings suggest that CD8(+) T(EMRA) cells have superior antiviral activity and indicate that both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the CD8(+) T-cell response need to be considered when defining the characteristics of protective immunity to HIV-1.
Northfield
John W
JW
Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom.
Loo
Christopher P
CP
Barbour
Jason D
JD
Spotts
Gerald
G
Hecht
Frederick M
FM
Klenerman
Paul
P
Nixon
Douglas F
DF
Michaëlsson
Jakob
J
D000328:Adult; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D015683:Gene Products, gag / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D019562:Viral Load; D014766:Viremia / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*
D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; D015683:Gene Products, gag