CD4(+) and CD4(-) CD1D-restricted natural killer T cells in perinatally HIV-1 infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.
We conducted a cross-sectional study on 43 Italian perinatally human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 26 age-matched healthy controls to explore CD1d-restricted NKT subsets. CD4(+) CD1d-rectricted natural killer (NKT) cell depletion was evidenced in 26 HIV-1 infected children with active viral replication despite HAART. Conversely, no alteration was evidenced in 17 children with undetectable viral load, suggesting full recovery in both CD4(+) and CD4(-) CD1d-rectricted NKT cell subsets. The loss of CD4(+) NKT cells in unresponsive children may have clinical consequences, including autoimmune disorders or cancer development. Future therapeutic perspectives are suggested.
Chiappini
E
E
Betti
L
L
Bonsignori
F
F
Azzari
C
C
Galli
L
L
de Martino
M
M
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D000293:Adolescent; D055610:Antigens, CD1d / Q000276:immunology*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D055611:Natural Killer T-Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D019562:Viral Load
D055610:Antigens, CD1d; C526877:CD1D protein, human