Immune activation is associated with CD8 T cell interleukin-21 production in HIV-1-infected individuals

J Virol. 2014 Sep 1;88(17):10259-63. doi: 10.1128/JVI.00764-14. Epub 2014 Jun 18.

Abstract

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) can be produced by CD8 T cells from HIV-1-infected individuals and those with autoimmune disease, but the mechanism remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that IL-21-producing CD8 T cells are not associated with CD4 depletion and are absent in patients with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia. Instead, IL-21 production by CD8 T cells was associated with high levels of activation, suggesting that these cells emerge as a consequence of excessive chronic immune activation rather than CD4 lymphopenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-21
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Lymphocyte Activation

Substances

  • Interleukins
  • Interleukin-21