Short communication: NKG2C+ NK cells contribute to increases in CD16+CD56- cells in HIV type 1+ individuals with high plasma viral load

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2013 Jan;29(1):84-8. doi: 10.1089/AID.2011.0397. Epub 2012 Sep 25.

Abstract

Chronic HIV-1 infection results in the expansion of both NKG2C+ and CD16+CD56- human natural killer cells. NKG2C+ cells proliferate in response to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and expansion of the dysfunctional CD56-CD16+ natural killer (NK) cells is associated with HIV-1 viremia. Here we report an association between increased proportions of CD56-CD16+ NK cells in viremic HIV-1+ individuals and an increased contribution of NKG2C+ cells to this subset. These data, in addition to anti-HCMV IgG serology, indicate a potential contribution of both HCMV and HIV-1 to NK cell dysfunction in HIV-1-infected individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • CD56 Antigen / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • Middle Aged
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C / immunology*
  • Receptors, IgG / immunology*
  • Viral Load / immunology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • CD56 Antigen
  • NCAM1 protein, human
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C
  • Receptors, IgG