Expression of perforin on HIV-1-specific CD8(+) lymphocytes after immunization with a gp120-depleted, whole-killed HIV-1 immunogen

We examined HIV-1 antigen specific intracellular expression of perforin on CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes in subjects with chronic HIV-1 infection on a ntiviral drug therapy after immunization with a gp120-depleted, whole kille d HIV-1 immunogen (inactivated, gp120-depleted HIV-1 in IFA, Remune). Based upon previous results, we hypothesized that the restoration of adequate T helper immune responses by vaccination against HIV-1 could result in the au gmentation of CD8(+) lymphocyte immune responses measured as perforin expre ssion. In the current study we observed an increase in the frequency of per forin in CD8(+) lymphocytes in HIV infected individuals immunized with a gp 120-depleted HIV-1 immunogen while on antiviral drug therapy. Furthermore, the frequency of HIV-specific CD8(+) perforin expressing cells correlated w ith the T helper immune response as measured by the lymphocyte proliferativ e response (LPR). The induction of such responses with immunization may hav e direct antiviral consequences and is being studied inm ongoing clinical t rials.