CD7 expression distinguishes subsets of CD4(+) T cells with distinct functional properties and ability to support replication of HIV-1.

Journal article

Enrichment of a subset of CD4(+)CD45R0(+)CD7(-) T cells has been observed in HIV-infected individuals. We have investigated the ability of CD7(+) and CD7(-) T cells to support replication of HIV and show that virus replicates preferentially in CD7(+) cells. Several possible mechanisms that may underlie such differences in susceptibility to HIV were studied. Our data demonstrate that mitogen stimulation induces poor expression of CD25 and IL-2 in CD7(-) compared with CD7(+) cells. We also show that uninfected CD7(-) cells are more resistant to mitogen-induced apoptosis than CD7(+) cells. Our data support the view that the CD7(-) subset is inherently resistant to HIV replication and that this is due in part to reduced CD25 expression and IL-2 production.

Authors: Wallace, D; Matear, P; Davies, D; Hicks, R; Lebosse, C

• Journal: European journal of immunology
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 577-585
• Publication date: 2000-02-01
• DOI: 10.1002/1521-4141(200002)30:2<577::aid-immu577>3.3.co;2-p
• EISSN: 1521-4141
• ISSN: 0014-2980
• Language: English
• Keywords: Disease Susceptibility; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Humans; HIV-1; Antigens, CD7; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Virus Replication