Chemokine receptors expression on T cells and response to HAART among chronic HIV-1-infected subjects

Abstract

Chemokines receptors are used by HIV-1 for entry into CD4(+) T cells. The beta-chemokines are capable of inhibiting HIV replication. This study determined the CCR5 and CXCR4 expression on T cells in HIV-1-infected patients treated with HAART. The successfully treated group (plasma viral load <400 copies/mL), when compared with the failure group (plasma viral load >400 copies/mL), had higher median CD4(+) T cells count (583 and 245 cells/mm(3); respectively, p< 0.0001). The failure patients had higher numbers and intensity of CCR5 and CXCR4-expressing T cells. Successfully treated patients were able to normalize the co-receptors expression-over on T cells. The viremic group showed higher CCR5 expression on CD4(+) T cells and lower number of cells; CCR5 expression was normalized in the aviremic group; the naïve group showed lower CCR5 expression and higher numbers of CD4 T cells; all groups showed normal CXCR4 expression compared to healthy controls. These findings may have clinical implications, since down-regulation of these co-receptors could be an adjuvant strategy for anti-HIV treatment.