Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1)-Specific CD8+TEMRACells in Early Infection Are Linked to Control of HIV-1 Viremia and Predict the Subsequent Viral Load Set Point

Abstract

CD8⁺T cells are believed to play an important role in the control of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, despite intensive efforts, it has not been possible to consistently link the overall magnitude of the CD8⁺T-cell response with control of HIV-1. Here, we have investigated the association of different CD8⁺memory T-cell subsets responding to HIV-1 in early infection with future control of HIV-1 viremia. Our results demonstrate that both a larger proportion and an absolute number of HIV-1-specific CD8⁺CCR7⁻CD45RA⁺effector memory T cells (T_EMRAcells) were associated with a lower future viral load set point. In contrast, a larger absolute number of HIV-1-specific CD8⁺CCR7⁻CD45RA⁻effector memory T cells (T_EM) was not related to the viral load set point. Overall, the findings suggest that CD8⁺T_EMRAcells have superior antiviral activity and indicate that both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the CD8⁺T-cell response need to be considered when defining the characteristics of protective immunity to HIV-1.