Functional analysis of HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in antiviral-treated- and-naive patients: a preliminary report

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 TNFα was increased in ART-treated compared to naive individuals. Reduction of perforin and granzyme-expressing cells was not secondary to impaired IFNγ 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.