Functionality of CD8+ T-cells in subjects under cART: implications on cure strategies

RUIZ, MJ; CARUSO, MP; TRIFONE, C; SALOMON, H; GHERARDI, MM; TURK, G; LAUFER, N; SALIDO, J; FIGUEROA, MI; SUED, O; GHIGLIONE, Y

Congreso; 18th International Congress on Infectious Diseases; 2018

Reaching HIV cure will largely depend on the capacity of HIV-specific memory CD8+ T-cells (CD8TC) to eliminate the viral reservoir. However, CD8TC response is limited in subjects on cART. Here, we aimed to investigate the phenotype and function of in vitro expanded CD8TCs in HIV+ subjects and the impact of ART initiation timing on these parameters.PBMCs from 28 HIV+ subjects on cART for 1 year were obtained. Twelve initiated treatment during chronic infection (Delayed Treatment, DT) and 16 within four months post-infection (Early Treatment, ET). PBMCs were stimulated with peptides spanning Nef and Gag plus IL-2 during 14 days. ELISPOT (pre and post-expansion) and Flow Cytometry (FC, post-expansion) were performed to assess expanded CD8TC function (CD107a/b, IFN-, IL-2, MIP-1 and TNF-) and phenotype (CD45RO, CCR7, CD95 and PD1). Data was analyzed using non-parametric statistics.Magnitude of ELISPOT responses increased after expansion by 103 times (p