Related Experiment Videos
Inverse correlation between memory Gag-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and viral replication in human
Florence Buseyne1, Jérôme Le Chenadec, Béatrice Corre
1Laboratoire d'Immunopathologie Virale, Unité de Recherche Associée Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 1930, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France. florence@pasteur.fr
Abstract:
A previous study showed that, during the first year of life, the presence of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children is associated with a lack of rapid progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The goal of the study was to address the role of CTLs in children who survived after age 5 years. Memory HIV-specific CTLs directed against Env, Gag, Nef, and Pol proteins were measured in a group of 47 highly active antiretroviral therapy-naive HIV-infected children. Both Gag- and Pol-specific CTLs were positively correlated with CD4(+) T cell counts. Gag-, Nef-, and Pol-specific CTLs were inversely correlated with virus load. The inverse correlation between virus load and Gag-specific CTLs was independent of CD4(+) T cell counts. In conclusion, this study showed the beneficial role of HIV-specific CTLs in children who survived after age 5 years.