Human cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific CD8+ T cell responses are reduced in HIV-infected individuals with a history of CMV disease despite CD4+ T cell recovery

• Published in: Clinical immunology (Orlando, Fla.) Fla.), 2007-08, Vol.124 (2), p.200-206
• Main Authors: Singh, K.P, Howard, J.L, Wild, S.P, Jones, S.L, Hoy, J, Lewin, S.R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Allergy and Immunology; Case-Control Studies; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes - immunology; CD8 + T cell immune response; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus - immunology; Cytomegalovirus Infections - complications; Cytomegalovirus Infections - immunology; Cytomegalovirus Infections - virology; Female; HIV; HIV - immunology; HIV Infections - complications; HIV Infections - immunology; HIV Infections - virology; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Interferon-gamma - biosynthesis; Interferon-gamma - immunology; Male; Middle Aged
• ISSN: 1521-6616; 1521-7035
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2007.04.018

Abstract Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific immunity was investigated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. A case-control (1:2) study was performed with cases defined as having a history of CMV end-organ disease ( n = 15) and controls ( n = 30) matched by current CD4+ T cell count. CMV-specific CD8+ T cells responses were quantified using the high throughput Quantiferon® -CMV test (Cellestis, Melbourne, Australia). 40/44 (91%) had a positive Quantiferon® -CMV test and the magnitude of response to CMV peptides correlated significantly with response to mitogen ( p < 0.0001) but not with CD4+ T cell count at the time of testing, CD4+ T cell nadir or HIV viral load. Cases had a significantly lower Quantiferon® -CMV test than controls but there was no significant difference in response to mitogen or other antigens. In individuals with a history of CMV disease, CMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses are reduced even in the setting of CD4+ T cell reconstitution.