Abstract
Th17 cells play a crucial role in host immune response. We examined the role of Th17 cells in HIV-1 'subtype-C' infection and report that HIV-1 specific Th17 cells are induced in early infection and slow progressors but are significantly reduced at late stage of infection. There was a further decline in Th17 cells in late stage subjects with gastrointestinal infections. Additionally, we observed expanded population of IL-21 (needed for Th17 population expansion) producing CD4 T cells in early and slow progressors compared to subjects with late stage infection. A significant positive correlation existed between virus specific IL-17 and IL-21 producing CD4 T cells suggesting that HIV-1 infection induces a demand for Th17 cells. A significant negative correlation between virus specific Th17 cells and HIV-1 plasma viral load (pVL) was also observed, indicating a gradual loss of Th17 cells with HIV-1 disease progression.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 55-63 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Cytokine |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- HIV-1
- IL-17
- IL-21
- Plasma viral load
- Th17 cells
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology