Abstract | BACKGROUND: The activity of virus-specific T lymphocytes, among which those capable of a polyfunctional response against the viral protein gag, is crucial to control HIV infection. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the polyfunctionality of gag-specific T cells in different phases of HIV infection, analyzing markers related to T-helper cell 1 (Th1) and degranulation/cytotoxicity, and the production of Th1 cytokines in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients experiencing an acute primary infection, long-term nonprogressors, patients naive for antiretroviral drugs, and patients taking HAART. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RESULTS: The main finding was that in all HIV-positive patients, about half gag-specific CD4 T cells were CD107a, that is, able to degranulate. CD4CD154 cells unable to produce Th1 cytokines were the second most represented population. Truly polyfunctional CD4 T cells were very rare and present only in a few long-term nonprogressors. Superantigen stimulation showed that CD4 T lymphocytes from all patients displayed a typical Th response, including interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma production, lacking CD107a expression. CONCLUSION: In all the aforementioned phases of HIV infection, the large majority of gag-specific CD4 T lymphocytes cannot be identified by the sole expression of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, which is early impaired. Degranulation and helper functions other than Th1 cytokine production are the predominant features of HIV-specific CD4 lymphocytes.
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Authors | Elisa Nemes, Linda Bertoncelli, Enrico Lugli, Marcello Pinti, Milena Nasi, Lisa Manzini, Serena Manzini, Francesca Prati, Vanni Borghi, Andrea Cossarizza, Cristina Mussini |
Journal | AIDS (London, England)
(AIDS)
Vol. 24
Issue 7
Pg. 947-57
(Apr 24 2010)
ISSN: 1473-5571 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 20179574
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Blotting, Western
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
(metabolism)
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
(metabolism)
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
(immunology)
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Gene Products, gag
(immunology, metabolism)
- HIV Infections
(immunology)
- HIV-1
(immunology)
- Humans
- Immunity, Cellular
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Viral Load
- Young Adult
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