ABSTRACT
CD8+ T lymphocytes are thought to play an important role in the control of acute and chronic human immunodeficiency virus infections. However, there is a significant delay between infection and the first observed increase in virus-specific CD8+ T-cell numbers. Prior to this time, viral kinetics are not significantly different between controls and vaccinees. Surprisingly, higher initial virus-specific CD8+ T-cell numbers lead to a longer delay prior to initial CD8+ T-cell expansion, and slower CD8+ T-cell increases. Nevertheless, higher initial CD8+ T-cell numbers were associated with reduced peak and chronic viral loads and reduced CD4+ T-cell depletion.
Editorial Comment to Circumcision related to urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, human immunodeficiency virus infections, and penile and cervical cancer