The role of CD8 T cells in controlling HIV beyond the antigen-specific face

Objectives: Understanding the determinants of HIV immune control is important for seeking viable HIV prevention, treatment and curative strategies. The antigen-specific roles of CD8 T cells in controlling primary HIV infection have been well documented, but their abilities to control the latent HIV reservoir is less well studied.

Methods: The scientific literature on this issue was searched on PubMed.

Results: Recent reports have demonstrated that CD8 T cells are also involved in the control of viral replication in HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, based on accumulating evidence, the antiviral role of CD8 T cells in ART patients may not be achieved via an antigen-specific manner as HIV-specific CD8 T cells can sense, but not effectively eliminate, cells harbouring intact provirus without first being activated. Our recent study indicated that virtual memory CD8 T cells, a semi-differentiated component of CD8 T cells, may be involved in the mechanism restraining the HIV DNA reservoir in ART patients.

Conclusions: In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of CD8 T cells in controlling HIV, highlighting differences between conventional antigen-specific and innate-like CD8 T cells. A better understanding of the roles of CD8 T cells during HIV infection should benefit the informed design of immune-based treatment strategies.