Therapeutic role of CD8+ T cells in HIV-1 infection: targets and suppressors of viral replication

CD8+ T cells are pivotal in controlling viral replication in HIV-1-infected su-bjects. However, in chronic infection, HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cells fail to a-dequately control infection, presenting incomplete maturation and more severe functional impairment with advanced disease. Accumulating evidence has shown that CD8+ T cells can also be productively infected by HIV-1. Whether HIV-1 infection of CD8+ T lymphocytes impacts on their antiviral activity remains to be determined. This review explores the potential mechanisms of HIV-1 infection of CD8+ T cells, its likely contribution to the immunopathogenesis of HIV-1 infection and potential therapeutic interventions.