The relationship between T-cell levels and CMV infection in asymptomatic HIV-1 antibody-positive homosexual men

Article Abstract:

Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) may promote disease progression in HIV-positive persons. The wide variability in the incubation period for AIDS, the expression of HIV disease-related symptoms and CD4 T-cell decline among HIV-infected individuals suggest other factors interact with HIV to affect disease progression. CD4 T-cells are a type of white blood cell and are depleted in HIV infection. CMV was detected in semen samples from 101 of 220 symptom-free, HIV-positive homosexual men. The level of CD8 T-cells did not differ significantly between men with CMV infection and those without. However, the level of CD4 T-cells was significantly lower in men whose semen samples were positive for CMV. The seminal tract may act as a reservoir for CMV infection in homosexual men, resulting in the continuous activation of HIV-infected cells and continuous destruction of CD4 T-cells.

Health aspects, Prognosis, Cytomegalovirus infections

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Elevated levels of CD38+CD8+ T cells in HIV infection add to the prognostic value of low CD4+ T cell levels: results of 6 years of follow-up

Article Abstract:

Elevated blood levels of CD38+CD8+ T cells may be predictive of disease progression in HIV-positive individuals. CD38+CD8+ T cells are a subset of CD8+ T cells. A study examined the effectiveness of measuring four subsets of CD8+ T cells for monitoring disease progression in 98 HIV-positive homosexual men who initially did not have AIDS. Forty-nine of these men developed AIDS over approximately six years. Measurement of blood levels of CD38+CD8+ T cells was predictive of disease progression. Disease progression was not predicted by measurement of blood levels of the three other subsets of CD8+ T cells. Monitoring blood levels of CD38+CD8+ T cells should be used in combination with monitoring blood levels of CD4+ T cells. Blood levels of CD4+ T cells decline with progression of HIV infection.

Measurement

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CD8+ T-lymphocyte activation in HIV-1 disease reflects an aspect of pathogenesis distinct from viral burden and immunodeficiency

Article Abstract:

Activation of CD8+ T cells appears to be linked to disease progression in HIV patients. These T cells are responsible for killing the virus. Researchers measured CD8+ T cell activation in blood samples from 252 HIV-infected men. Activation of CD8+ T cells was associated with faster disease progression in these men. It would seem that activated CD8+ T cells would kill the virus and slow disease progression. This paradox may be explained by exhaustion of the CD8+ T cell response or by diminished responsiveness to the virus.

Physiological aspects

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