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CD8+ lymphocyte activation at human immunodeficiency virus type 1 seroconversion: development of HLA-DR+ CD38- CD8+

J V Giorgi1, H N Ho, K Hirji

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|October 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Elevated HLA-DR+ CD38+ CD8+ cells indicate potent HIV cytotoxic T cell activity. Selective elevation of these cells in HIV-1 infection may predict stable disease progression and higher CD4+ cell counts.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • CD8+ lymphocytes play a crucial role in controlling viral infections.
  • Activation markers like HLA-DR and CD38 on CD8+ cells can indicate immune responses.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection leads to complex immune dysregulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of specific activated CD8+ T cell subsets in HIV-1 infection.
  • To determine if the expression of HLA-DR and CD38 on CD8+ cells correlates with disease progression.
  • To identify potential biomarkers for stable HIV-1 disease.

Main Methods:

  • Three-color flow cytometry was used to quantify CD8+ lymphocyte subsets.
  • Analysis focused on homosexual men who seroconverted to HIV-1.
  • Measurements were taken at seroconversion and at 6, 12 months, and up to 5 years post-infection.

Main Results:

  • Profound CD8+ cell activation was observed in all subjects at seroconversion and during the first year.
  • A specific subset, HLA-DR+ CD38+ CD8+ cells, with direct HIV cytotoxic T cell activity, was markedly elevated at seroconversion.
  • In some individuals, elevated levels of this subset persisted, correlating with stable CD4+ cell counts over 5 years.
  • Long-term survivors showed persistently elevated HLA-DR+ CD38+ CD8+ cells despite minimal other CD8+ cell activation.

Conclusions:

  • Selective elevation of HLA-DR+ CD38+ CD8+ cells is a marker of potent HIV-specific cytotoxic T cell activity.
  • This specific CD8+ T cell subset elevation is associated with stable CD4+ cell levels and slower disease progression in HIV-1 infection.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for HLA-DR+ CD38+ CD8+ cells as a biomarker for predicting long-term non-progression in HIV-1.

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