Differential loss of invariant NKT cells and FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in HIV-1 subtype A and subtype D infections

HIV-1 subtype D is associated with faster disease progression as compared to subtype A. Immunological correlates of this difference remain undefined. We investigated invariant natural killer T cells and FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in Ugandans infected with either subtype. Loss of iNKT cells was pronounced in subtype D, whereas Tregs displayed more profound loss in subtype A infection. iNKT cell levels were associated with CD4 T cell IL-2 production in subtype A, but not D, infection. Thus, these viral subtypes are associated with differential loss of iNKT cells and Tregs that may influence the quality of the adaptive immune response.