Immune reconstitution of CD56(dim) NK cells in individuals with primary HIV-1 infection treated with interleukin-2.
Natural killer (NK) cells are believed to play a role in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease progression, and NK cell levels are reduced in individuals with chronic HIV-1 infection. Interleukin (IL)-2 therapy results in an expansion of CD4(+) T cells as well as NK cells; however, little is known about the detailed effects of IL-2 therapy on NK cells in HIV-1 infection in general and in early infection in particular. Here, we investigated the effects of combined IL-2 therapy and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the number, frequency, phenotype, and interferon (IFN)-gamma production of NK cells in individuals with early HIV-1 infection. Patients randomized to receive combined ART and IL-2 therapy predominantly expanded CD56(dim) NK cells, and the expansion was greater than in patients randomized to receive ART alone. Importantly, NK cell receptor expression and IFN-gamma production were maintained over time. This reconstitution of NK cells may be useful in helping contain viremia if patients discontinue therapy or develop drug resistance.
Michaëlsson
Jakob
J
Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. jakob.michaelsson@ki.se
Long
Brian R
BR
Loo
Christopher P
CP
Lanier
Lewis L
LL
Spotts
Gerald
G
Hecht
Frederick M
FM
Nixon
Douglas F
DF
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019002:CD56 Antigen / Q000276:immunology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents; D019002:CD56 Antigen; D007376:Interleukin-2