Altered T-cell subsets in HIV-1 natural viral suppressors (elite controllers) with hepatitis C infection

AIDS. 2013 Jul 31;27(12):1989-92. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e328362dea4.

Abstract

We have established a cohort of 64 Natural Viral Suppressors (NVS) (similar to Elite Controllers/Elite Suppressors), 30 of which have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). We investigated T-cell phenotypic changes in association with HCV infection. NVS without HCV and normal controls had similar T-cell phenotypes. However, NVS with HCV had lower naive cell proportions (CD4 and CD8) compared with NVS without HCV (P = 0.0008 and P = 0.02) or normal controls (P = 0.0163 and P = 0.017). These results and previously reported data suggest that HCV coinfection increases immune activation and T-cell disturbances. Any associated T-cell functional changes or potential clinical consequences need further study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV Long-Term Survivors*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / complications*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*