CONTRIBUTION OF CD4(-) T-CELLS TO CD3(+) LYMPHOCYTE HOMEOSTASIS DURING THE NATURAL COURSE OF HIV-1 INFECTION(), CD8(+)CD28(+), AND CD8(+)CD28()

The relationship between the number of circulating CD4(+) T cells and the presence of particular CD8(+) T cell subsets was analyzed by flow cytometry on PBL from asymptomatic HIV-l-infected patients whose speci mens were collected every 2 mo for a total period of 32 mo, Only sligh t variations were detected in the absolute number of lymphocytes and p ercentage of CD3(+) lymphocytes, whereas both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell subsets showed wide intrapatient variation. Variations in the number of CD8(+)CD28(+) cells paralleled those of the CD4(+) T cell subset in each patient tested, while the presence of CD8(+)CD28(-) T cells corr elated inversely with CD4(+) and CD8(+)CD28(+) T cells, These data sho w that changes in the number of circulating CD4(+)-and CD8(+)CD28(+)-T cells are strongly related to the presence of CD8(+)CD28(-) T cells i n these patients. Insight into the significance of CD8(+)CD28(-) T cel l expansion will allow us to understand the mechanisms and significanc e of the HIV-1-driven change in CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell homeostasis and t he basic immunopathology of HIV disease.