Percentage of CD3 + CD4 - CD8 - γδ TCR - T Cells Is Increased by HIV Disease

Abstract

HIV patients given highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) experience a rapid rise in αβT cell numbers, but changes in γδT cell populations have not been described. Here we investigate the effects of immune reconstitution and immune restoration diseases (IRDs) on expression of a pan-γδT cell receptor (TCR) marker on double-negative (CD3⁺CD4^-CD8^-) T cells and T cells expressing CD4 or CD8. IRDs are inflammatory disorders associated with preexisting infections in patients who have achieved immune reconstitution after HAART. Proportions of CD3⁺CD4^-CD8^- T cells and total γδT cells were not affected by CD4⁺ T cell counts, HAART, or a history of IRD, but levels of CD4^-CD8^- γδTCR^- T cells were higher in patients with <15% CD4⁺ T cells.