Rapid restoration of CD4 T cell subsets in subjects receiving antiretroviral therapy during primary HIV-1 infection

Abstract

To compare the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy on immune reconstitution in subjects with acute and chronic HIV-1 infection. Prospective study including 58 treatment-naive subjects who commenced indinavir or nelfinavir and two nucleosides during primary (PHI; n = 28) or chronic HIV-1 infection (CHI; n = 30). Naive (CD45RA+62L+), memory (CD45RA−) and activated (CD38+HLA-DR+) T cell subsets were quantified at 1–2 monthly time intervals using 4-colour flow cytometry. At 1 year, HIV-1 RNA declined in both cohorts to undetectable levels (6 Immune reconstitution was more complete, occurred earlier and comprised both naive and memory CD4 T lymphocytes in subjects who commenced antiretroviral therapy during primary HIV-1 infection.