Djs. King et al., T-cell re-population in HIV-infected children on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), CLIN EXP IM, 125(3), 2001, pp. 447-454
In this pilot study, we address the nature of the re-population of the T-ce
ll compartment in HIV-1(+) (Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1), vertically inf
ected children placed on successful regimens of HAART (highly active anti-r
etroviral therapy) incorporating 2 NRTI and a protease inhibitor. The clona
lity of the T-cell compartment and the abundance of RTEs (Recent Thymic Emi
grants) were determined 2 weeks before and 20 weeks after initiation of HAA
RT in a subgroup of children taking part in the PENTA (Paediatric European
Network for the Treatment of AIDS) 5 trial. Analysis of the clonality of th
e circulating T-cell compartment was assessed using CDR3 spectratyping and
analysed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov two sample test. This revealed that a
high degree of T-cell clonal restriction still exists 5 months into therap
y, despite the appearance of previously undetectable T-cell clones within t
he periphery. We detected no increase in RTE abundance in this 5 month peri
od, as determined by PCR detection of TRECs (T-Cell Receptor Excision Circl
es). We conclude that the observed re-population of T cells within the peri
phery of treated children is heavily reliant upon the maintenance/expansion
of pre-existing cells during the 5 month period immediately following the
initiation of therapy.