Open AccessSuppression of HIV-1 plasma viral load below detection preserves IL-17 producing T cells in HIV-1 infection
Author(s) -
Lishomwa C. Ndhlovu,
J.N. Chapman,
Aashish R. Jha,
Jennifer SnyderCappione,
Moraima Pagán,
Fábio E. Leal,
Brigid S. Boland,
Philip J. Norris,
Michael Rosenberg,
Douglas F. Nixon
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
aids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.195
H-Index - 216
eISSN - 1473-5571
pISSN - 0269-9370
DOI - 10.1097/qad.0b013e3282ff884e
Subject(s) - viremia , viral load , immunology , virology , proinflammatory cytokine , cytokine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , secretion , biology , t cell , immune system , inflammation , biochemistry
IL-17 is proinflammatory cytokine secreted by a unique CD4+ T (Th17) cell subset and proposed to play a role in host defense. We hypothesized that Th17 cells are lost in HIV-1 infection. HIV-1-infected children with plasma viremia below 50 copies/ml had IL-17 production, whereas those with detectable viremia had minimal secretion. These results imply viral-mediated destruction or impairment of Th17 cells and argue for complete suppression of viremia for reconstitution of Th17 cells.