Activation of CD8+ T lymphocytes through the T cell receptor turns on CD4 gene expression: Implications for HIV pathogenesis

AUTOR(ES)

Flamand, Louis

FONTE

The National Academy of Sciences

RESUMO

T cell activation through the T cell receptor is necessary to achieve a specific and effective immune response. We report here that stimulation of CD8+ T cells through the T cell receptor complex leads to de novo expression of the CD4 antigen on the cell surface that results in susceptibility of CD8+ T cells to HIV infection. In addition, activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-infected individuals results in the appearance of double-positive CD4+/CD8+ T cells, which become infected by endogenous HIV. HIV DNA sequences could be detected in uncultured and sorted mature CD3+CD8+ T cells from HIV+ individuals. These results suggest a new mechanism by which HIV could attack the immune system and may help to explain the CD8+ T cell defects in AIDS patients.

Documentos Relacionados

• CD4 on CD8+ T cells directly enhances effector function and is a target for HIV infection
• The CD4 molecule on CD8+ T lymphocytes directly enhances the immune response to viral and cellular antigens
• Specific expression of the human CD4 gene in mature CD4+ CD8- and immature CD4+ CD8+ T cells and in macrophages of transgenic mice.
• Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of TcR, CD4 and CD8 gene expression during activation of normal human T lymphocytes.
• RAG-dependent peripheral T cell receptor diversification in CD8+ T lymphocytes