HIV infection deregulates the balance between regulatory T cells and IL-2-producing CD4 T cells by decreasing the expression of the IL-2 receptor in Treg

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2014 Mar 1;65(3):278-82. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000092.

Abstract

Indexation of regulatory T cells (Treg) to the number of activated T cells constitutes a homeostatic mechanism ensuring that T-cell expansion remains under control. However, immune hyperactivation observed in HIV-infected patients suggests a possible dysfunction of this mechanism. Here we show that the Treg/IL-2-producing cells' balance is deeply disturbed in viremic HIV-infected patients. We found a lower expression of IL-2 receptor alpha on Treg from viremic patients. We confirmed in vitro that HIV infection of Treg downregulates IL-2 receptor alpha and phosphorylated STAT5. Our results argue for an impaired capacity of Treg to sense the expansion of activated T cells in HIV-infected patients that could contribute to the immune deregulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / biosynthesis*
  • STAT5 Transcription Factor / biosynthesis
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*

Substances

  • Interleukin-2
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • STAT5 Transcription Factor