HIV DNA positively correlates with HLA-DR+CD8+ T lymphocytes over 8-year suppressive ART.

OBJECTIVE: Despite long-term suppressive cART, the activation level of T lymphocytes remains significantly high HIV-infected individuals. This study aims to unravel the relationship between CD8+ T cell activation and HIV DNA reservoir.

DESIGN/METHODS: In this retrospective study, 82 HIV-infected patients receiving suppressive cART for ≥8 years were included. Total HIV-1 DNA and expression of CD38 and HLA-DR in CD8+ T cell were quantified repeatedly during long-term follow-up. Longitudinal correlation between HIV-1 DNA and CD8+ T cell activation level was analysed using generalized estimating equation (GEE) model.

RESULTS: Significant decrease of both total HIV-1 DNA and CD8+ T cell activation level were observed after combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiation. However, the expression level of HLA-DR in CD8+ T cells remained abnormally higher than normal range. GEE analysis revealed that HLA-DR expression was positively correlated with total HIV-1 DNA over long-term suppressive cART.

CONCLUSIONS: HIV DNA reservoir may be closely related to CD8+ T cell activation and the inflammatory state in HIV-infected patients despite long-term cART.