CD4(+) and CD4(-) CD1D-restricted natural killer T cells in perinatally HIV-1 infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 43 Italian perinatally human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 26 age-matched healthy controls to explore CD1d-restricted NKT subsets. CD4(+) CD1d-rectricted natural killer (NKT) cell depletion was evidenced in 26 HIV-1 infected children with active viral replication despite HAART. Conversely, no alteration was evidenced in 17 children with undetectable viral load, suggesting full recovery in both CD4(+) and CD4(-) CD1d-rectricted NKT cell subsets. The loss of CD4(+) NKT cells in unresponsive children may have clinical consequences, including autoimmune disorders or cancer development. Future therapeutic perspectives are suggested.