HIV Suppression Restores the Lung Mucosal CD4+ T-Cell Viral Immune Response and Resolves CD8+ T-Cell Alveolitis in Patients at Risk for HIV-Associated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Discussion. Together, our results demonstrate that HIV suppression restores lung mucosal HIV-specific CD4+ T-cell multifunctional immunity and balance in the ratio of CD4+ T cells to CD8+ T cells, often resolving CD8+ T-cell alveolitis in active smokers. Peripheral expansion and redistribution of CD4+ T cells and increased resistance to apoptosis are 2 mechanisms contributing to immunologic improvement following viral suppression in patients at risk for HIV-associated COPD.

Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases - October 27, 2016 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Popescu, I., Drummond, M. B., Gama, L., Lambert, A., Hoji, A., Coon, T., Merlo, C. A., Wise, R. A., Keruly, J., Clements, J. E., Kirk, G. D., McDyer, J. F. Tags: HIV/AIDS Source Type: research