Role of Different Subpopulations of CD8 + T Cells during HIV Exposure and Infection

• Published in: Frontiers in immunology 2017-08, Vol.8, p.936-936
• Main Authors: Gonzalez, Sandra Milena, Taborda, Natalia Andrea, Rugeles, María Teresa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: antiviral immune response; CD8+ T cells subpopulations; HIV infection; Immunology; natural resistance to HIV; spontaneous control of HIV replication
• ISSN: 1664-3224; 1664-3224
• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00936

During HIV infection, specific responses exhibited by CD8 T cells are crucial to establish an early, effective, and sustained viral control, preventing severe immune alterations and organ dysfunction. Several CD8 T cells subsets have been identified, exhibiting differences in terms of activation, functional profile, and ability to limit HIV replication. Some of the most important CD8 T cells subsets associated with viral control, production of potent antiviral molecules, and strong polyfunctional responses include Th1-like cytokine pattern and Tc17 cells. In addition, the expression of specific activation markers has been also associated with a more effective response of CD8 T cells, as evidenced in HLA-DR CD38 cells. CD8 T cells in both, peripheral blood and gut mucosa, are particularly important in individuals with a resistant phenotype, including HIV-exposed seronegative individuals (HESNs), long-term non-progressors (LTNPs) and HIV-controllers. Although the role of CD8 T cells has been extensively explored in the context of an established HIV-1 infection, the presence of HIV-specific cells with effector abilities and a defined functional profile in HESNs, remain poorly understood. Here, we reviewed studies carried out on different subpopulations of CD8 T cells in relation with natural resistance to HIV infection and progression.