Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Assessing the Innate Sensing of HIV-1 Infected CD4+ T Cells by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Using an Ex vivo Co-culture System.
Published on: September 1, 2015
Inflammatory Function of CX3CR1+ CD8+ T Cells in Treated HIV Infection Is Modulated by Platelet Interactions
Joseph C Mudd1,2, Soumya Panigrahi1, Benjamin Kyi1
1Center for AIDS Research, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Ohio.
Increases in inflammation, coagulation, and CD8+ T-cell numbers are associated with an elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected antiretroviral therapy (ART) recipients. Circulating memory CD8+ T cells that express the vascular endothelium-homing receptor CX3CR1 (fractalkine receptor) are enriched in HIV-infected ART recipients. Thrombin-activated receptor (PAR-1) expression is increased in HIV-infected ART recipients and is particularly elevated on CX3CR1+ CD8+ T cells, suggesting that these cells could interact with coagulation elements. Indeed, thrombin directly enhanced T-cell receptor-mediated interferon γ production by purified CD8+ T cells but was attenuated by thrombin-induced release of transforming growth factor β by platelets. We have therefore identified a population of circulating memory CD8+ T cells in HIV infection that may home to endothelium, can be activated by clot-forming elements, and are susceptible to platelet-mediated regulation. Complex interactions between inflammatory elements and coagulation at endothelial surfaces may play an important role in CVD risk in HIV-infected ART recipients.
Increases in inflammation, coagulation, and CD8+ T-cell numbers are associated with an elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected antiretroviral therapy (ART) recipients. Circulating memory CD8+ T cells that express the vascular endothelium-homing receptor CX3CR1 (fractalkine receptor) are enriched in HIV-infected ART recipients. Thrombin-activated receptor (PAR-1) expression is increased in HIV-infected ART recipients and is particularly elevated on CX3CR1+ CD8+ T cells, suggesting that these cells could interact with coagulation elements. Indeed, thrombin directly enhanced T-cell receptor-mediated interferon γ production by purified CD8+ T cells but was attenuated by thrombin-induced release of transforming growth factor β by platelets. We have therefore identified a population of circulating memory CD8+ T cells in HIV infection that may home to endothelium, can be activated by clot-forming elements, and are susceptible to platelet-mediated regulation. Complex interactions between inflammatory elements and coagulation at endothelial surfaces may play an important role in CVD risk in HIV-infected ART recipients.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...

