IL-27 effects on HIV_Gag-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell function.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Persistent T cell activation and inflammation increase morbidity and mortality in people with HIV (PWH) despite suppressed viral replication.
• CD8 T cells in PWH often exhibit dysfunction and express checkpoint receptors.
• Interleukin-27 (IL-27), a cytokine with known antiviral properties, has an unclear role in HIV-specific T cell function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of IL-27 on HIV-specific T cells.
• To determine if IL-27 can enhance the function of HIV-specific T cells in the context of chronic HIV infection.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated IL-27's impact on T cell function by measuring cytokine secretion, proliferation, and cytotoxicity.
• Utilized unbiased clustering analysis to examine differential effects on distinct T cell populations.

Main Results:

• IL-27 was found to upregulate cytokine secretion and cytotoxic potential in HIV-specific CD8 T cells.
• IL-27 promoted the trafficking of proliferating HIV-specific CD8 T cells expressing checkpoint receptors TIGIT and PD-1.
• Unbiased clustering suggested IL-27 may have varied effects on different HIV-specific T cell subsets.

Conclusions:

• IL-27 demonstrates potential to enhance T cell function in chronic HIV infection.
• These findings suggest IL-27 as a possible therapeutic agent to bolster immune responses against HIV.