CD3+CD8+ cell levels as predictors of transmission in human immunodeficiency virus-infected couples: A report from the heterosexual HIV transmission study

• Published in: International journal of infectious diseases 1998-04, Vol.2 (4), p.186-192
• Main Authors: Denny, Thomas N., Skurnick, Joan H., Palumbo, Paul, Perez, George, Monel, Raymond, Stephens, Richard, Kennedy, Cheryl A., Louria, Donald B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; AIDS/HIV; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers - blood; Case-Control Studies; CD3+CD8+ cells; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; concordant; discordant; Female; Flow Cytometry; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Core Protein p24 - blood; HIV Envelope Protein gp160 - blood; HIV Infections - immunology; HIV Infections - transmission; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-positive; Human viral diseases; Humans; Immunophenotyping; Infectious diseases; Lymphocyte Count; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; RNA, Viral - blood; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids
• ISSN: 1201-9712; 1878-3511
• DOI: 10.1016/S1201-9712(98)90050-9

Objective: The goal of this study was to identify in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals immunologic markers that correlated with transmission of HIV by heterosexual contact. Methods: In a case-control comparison of couples, immunologic and viral parameters were evaluated in 343 HIV-positive individuals who were members of 67 HIV-seroconcordant couples (both partners HIV positive) and 211 HIV serodiscordant couples (one positive, one negative). Results: The most striking immunologic finding was the increased numbers of CD3+CD8+ cells found in the index member of discordant couples as compared to the index member of the concordant couples. Differences in CD3+CD8+ levels persisted after adjustment for stage of disease and CD3+CD4+ count. This increase in the number of CD3+CD8+ cells was accompanied by a concomitant decrease in the amount of viral replication measured by both HIV culture endpoint and quantitative RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Conclusion: Data presented here further support the role of CD3+CD8+ cells in suppressing or controlling viral activity, although a causal role based on case-control data must be advanced cautiously. This in vivo biologic function may help prevent or lower the risk of HIV transmission.