Analysis of Cytotoxic T-Cell Subsets in Three Groups of HIV-1+ Patients with Different Response To Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)

摘要

The aim of the study was to compare the reconstitution pattern of precursor (CD28+CD57-), intermediate (CD28-CD57-) and late effector (CD28-CD57+) CDS T cell subsets in HIV-1+ patients with different response to HAART. Fifty-five treatment-naive patients receiving HAART were followed for 24 months. Retrospectively, three groups were defined: patients with good (A), discordant (B), and transient (C) immunological and virological response. In groups A and B, unlike group C, a significant recovery of CD4 AC was observed. On the other hand, viral load and immune activation remained high in groups B and C. Although in all groups precursor CD8 T cells increased in the course of HAART, the groups with insufficient viral suppression (B, C) were characterized by a significantly higher level of intermediate CD8+ effectors as compared to good responders. We propose that the ratio CD28-CD57-/CD28-CD57+ CD8 T cells may be instrumental for monitoring the recovery of cellular immune responses in patients undergoing HAART.