Perturbation of mucosal-associated invariant T cells and iNKT cells in HIV infection : Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS

Secondary Logo

Journal Logo

Advanced Search
T-CELLS IN HIV INFECTION: Edited by Mathias Lichterfeld and Tony Kelleher

Perturbation of mucosal-associated invariant T cells and iNKT cells in HIV infection

Juno, Jennifer A.a,*; Phetsouphanh, Chansavathb,*; Klenerman, Paulb,c; Kent, Stephen J.a,d,e

Author Information

aDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

bNuffield Department of Medicine and Translational Gastroenterology Unit, The Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford

cNIHR Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK

dARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Melbourne

eMelbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Monash University Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Correspondence to Stephen J. Kent, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunology, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia. E-mail: [email protected]

Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS 14(2):p 77-84, March 2019. | DOI: 10.1097/COH.0000000000000526

Abstract

Purpose of review 

To analyze the possible role that the ‘unconventional’ T-cell populations mucosal-associated invariant T cell (MAIT) and iNKT cells play during HIV infection and following antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment.

Recent findings 

A substantial body of evidence now demonstrates that both MAIT and iNKT cells are depleted in blood during HIV infection. The depletion and dysfunction of MAIT and iNKT cells are only partially restored by suppressive ART, potentially contributing to HIV-related comorbidities.

Summary 

The deficiency and dysfunction of MAIT and iNKT T-cell subsets likely impact on immunity to important coinfections including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This underscores the importance of research on restoring these unconventional T cells during HIV infection. Future studies in this field should address the challenge of studying tissue-resident cells, particularly in the gut, and better defining the determinants of MAIT/iNKT cell dysfunction. Such studies could have a significant impact on improving the immune function of HIV-infected individuals.

Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Full Text Access for Subscribers:

Not a Subscriber?

Buy
Request Permissions

You can read the full text of this article if you:

Access through Ovid