Mathematical model of CD4+ lymphocyte depletion in HIV infection

The CD4+ lymphocyte depletion in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons seems to be affected by HIV products. As the dynamics of the concentration of HIV products is reciprocal to that of non-replicating antigen used for induction of tolerance, the mathematical model of immunological tolerance can be used to describe the dynamics of CD4+ lymphocyte depletion. To stimulate the clinically observed dynamics, it is necessary to include the limitation of HIV growth by the corresponding cytotoxic T cells and their dependence on the helper effect of CD4+ lymphocytes. Simulation analysis suggests that qualitatively similar results are obtained if immature, mature, or both categories of CD4+ lymphocytes considered in the model are depleted by the HIV products.