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The mechanisms underlying non-progression in HIV-1 infection are not well understood; however, this state has been associated previously with strong HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cell responses and the preservation of proliferative CD4+ T cell responses to HIV-1 antigens. Using a combination of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) ELISpot assays and tetramer staining, the HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cell populations were quantified and characterized in untreated long-term HIV-1-infected non-progressors and individuals with slowly progressive disease, both in relation to CD4+ T cell responses, and in comparison with responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens. High levels of CD8+ T cell responses specific for HIV-1 or CMV were observed, but neither their frequency nor their phenotype seemed to differ between the two patient groups. Moreover, while CMV-specific CD4+ T cell responses were preserved in these donors, IFN-gamma release by HIV-1-specific CD4+ T cells was generally low. These data raise questions with regard to the role played by CD8+ T cells in the establishment and maintenance of long-term non-progression.

Original publication

DOI

10.1046/j.1365-2249.2002.02005.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

Clin Exp Immunol

Publication Date

12/2002

Volume

130

Pages

509 - 517

Keywords

Adult, Antigens, Viral, CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes, CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Chronic Disease, Cohort Studies, Cytomegalovirus Infections, Disease Progression, Epitopes, Female, Flow Cytometry, HIV Infections, HIV-1, Histocompatibility Antigens Class I, Humans, Interferon-gamma, Lymphocyte Activation, Lymphocyte Count, Male, Statistics, Nonparametric, T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic