Functional analysis of HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in antiviral-treated- and-naive patients: a preliminary report
Trabattoni, D.; Fossati, S.; Biasin, M.; Boasso, A.; Rizzardini, G.; Maseratti, R.; Clerici, M.
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents 16(1): 25-29
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-974X PMID: 12003169 Document Number: 550540
HIV-specific CTL functions were analyzed in HIV-infected individuals who did or did not receive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Results showed that gp 160 (env)-stimulated perforin- and granzyme-expressing CTL, as well as perforin and granzyme-specific mRNA, were reduced in treated patients whereas TNFalpha was increased in ART-treated compared to naive individuals. Reduction of perforin and granzyme-expressing cells was not secondary to impaired IFNgamma production. A defect of CTL is observed in ART-treated individuals; this defect is not dependent on impaired Th cell function. These results reinforce the need for immunomodulants to successfully approach therapy of HIV infection.