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

• Published in: Journal of virology Vol. 81; no. 11; pp. 5759 - 5765
• Main Authors: Northfield, John W., Loo, Christopher P., Barbour, Jason D., Spotts, Gerald, Hecht, Frederick M., Klenerman, Paul, Nixon, Douglas F., Michaëlsson, Jakob
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2007
• ISSN: 0022-538X; 1098-5514
• DOI: 10.1128/JVI.00045-07

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.