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

Gregson, John NS; Kuri-Cervantes, Leticia; Mela, Christopher M; Gazzard, Brian G; Bower, Mark; Goodier, Martin R; (2013) Short communication: NKG2C+ NK cells contribute to increases in CD16+CD56- cells in HIV type 1+ individuals with high plasma viral load. AIDS research and human retroviruses, 29 (1). pp. 84-88. ISSN 0889-2229 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/AID.2011.0397

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.