Elite controller CD8+ T cells exhibit comparable viral inhibition capacity, but better sustained effector properties...

Mechanisms modulating HIV-specific CD8+ T cell-mediated viral inhibition are not well defined. To delineate features of effective control, we compared the ability of CD8⁺ T cells from HIV ECs and CPs to inhibit HIV ex vivo. ECs showed superior inhibition compared to HAART-treated or untreated CPs in a typical VIA in which CD8+ T cells are rested 3 d before use (P = 0.025). In contrast, comparable antiviral activity was observed in freshly thawed cells. Rested CD8⁺ T cells underwent apoptosis with preferential loss of HIV-specific cells. EC CD8⁺ T cells showed greater capacity to sustain polyfunctionality ex vivo compared with those of CPs, and incubation of CD8⁺ T cells with IL-15 augmented inhibition. These results indicate that superior ex vivo inhibition of viral replication by CD8⁺ T cells from ECs is associated with enhanced retention of functional qualities and that in vitro antiviral function is enhanced by IL-15.