Lack of detectable HIV-1-specific CD8(+) T cell responses in Zambian HIV-1-exposed seronegative partners of HIV-1-positive individuals.

Addo, Marylyn M; Altfeld, Marcus; Brainard, Diana M; Rathod, Almas; Piechocka-Trocha, Alicja; Fideli, Ulgen; Mulenga, Joseph; Shutes, Erin et al. · J Infect Dis · 2011

other · Level V

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Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific T cell responses were characterized in a blinded study involving infected individuals and their seronegative exposed uninfected (EU) partners from Lusaka, Zambia. HIV-1-specific T cell responses were detected ex vivo in all infected individuals and amplified, on average, 27-fold following in vitro expansion. In contrast, no HIV-1-specific T cell responses were detected in any of the EU partners ex vivo or following in vitro expansion. These data demonstrate that the detection of HIV-1-specific T cell immunity in EU individuals is not universal and that alternative mechanisms may account for protection in these individuals.

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