PERSPECTIVES ON THE ROLE OF CD8(-LYMPHOCYTES DURING HIV-INFECTION() CELL SUPPRESSOR FACTORS AND CYTOTOXIC T)

It is clear that HIV burden drives CD8(+) cell expansion and activatio n in vivo, but it has been difficult to determine whether the CD8(+) c ell response represents a significant anti-HIV force during the natura l history of infection. This issue is illustrated by the fact that CD8 (+) cells cannot clear HIV infection, providing less than satisfactory evidence that CD8(+) cells have any substantial effect on viral repli cation in vivo. The diligent efforts of a number of laboratories, howe ver, are revealing the magnitude of the anti-HIV CD8(+) cell arsenal. It is now well established that CD8(+) cells can suppress viral dissem ination and rates of HIV transcription in addition to their ability to destroy virus-infected cells directly. This is achieved through produ ction of a growing family of HIV suppressor factors. These exciting de velopments are paving the way for new studies to readdress and potenti ally redefine the role of HIV-specific CD8(+) cell responses during HN infection. As we complete our understanding of how these effector act ivities work in concert to oppose HIV, the potential that CD8(+) cell responses can be manipulated by vaccination or used in conjunction wit h HAART holds promise in the ongoing effort to eradicate HN infection in chronically infected individuals.