HIV-specific cellular immune response is inversely correlated with disease progression as defined by decline of CD4+ T cells in relation to HIV RNA load.

Journal article

The average time between infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome is approximately 8 years. However, progression rates vary widely, depending on several determinants, including HIV-specific immunity, host genetic factors, and virulence of the infecting strain. In untreated HIV-infected patients with different progression rates, we examined HIV-specific T cell responses in combination with host genetic markers, such as chemokine/chemokine-receptor (CCR) polymorphisms and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes. HIV-specific CD4(+) T cell responses and, to a lesser extent, HIV-specific CD8(+) T cell responses were inversely correlated with progression rate. Slower progression was not related to polymorphisms in CCR genes, HLA genotype, or GB virus C coinfection. These data suggest that HIV-specific T cell responses are involved in protecting the host from disease progression.

Authors: Oxenius, A; Price, D; Hersberger, M; Schlaepfer, E; Weber, R

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Journal of infectious diseases
• Volume: 189
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 1199-1208
• Publication date: 2004-04-01
• DOI: 10.1086/382028
• EISSN: 1537-6613
• ISSN: 0022-1899
• Language: English
• Keywords: Viral Load; Flaviviridae Infections; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Disease Progression; Male; HIV; Adult; RNA, Viral; Swiss HIV Cohort Study; Middle Aged; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cohort Studies; HIV Infections; HLA Antigens; Receptors, Chemokine; Prospective Studies; Female; Humans; GB virus C; Statistics, Nonparametric