Decreased expression of zeta molecules by T lymphocytes is correlated withdisease progression in human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons

In human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, functional activi ties of T lymphocytes are impaired. Analogous to tumor-infiltrating T lymph ocytes from cancer patients, in whom poor proliferative responses are assoc iated with fewer zeta molecules, this study compared expression of CD 3 zet a molecules by T lymphocytes from HIV-infected persons and healthy controls . Flow cytometry and immunoblotting revealed significantly diminished zeta expression by CD3, CD4, and CD8 T lymphocytes from AIDS patients but not fr om persons without AIDS. zeta-mRNA levels were also decreased in cells from AIDS patients. CD3 zeta expression correlated significantly with CD4 cell counts and HIV-1 RNA levels; impaired expression of CD3 zeta molecules appe ared to be reversible upon virus load reduction following highly active ant iretroviral treatment (HAART). Thus, reduced expression of CD3 zeta molecul es by T lymphocytes from HIV-infected persons correlates with disease statu s. Investigations into CD3 zeta expression by subpopulations of peripheral T lymphocytes and by T lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues will contribute to t he understanding of immune reconstitution of HIV-infected patients followin g HAART.