Hepatitis C Coinfection Enhances Sensitization of CD4⁺ T-Cells Towards Fas-Induced Apoptosis in Viraemic and Haart-Controlled HIV-1-Positive Patients

Abstract

Our findings suggest a synergistic mechanism in HIV/HCV coinfection between up-regulation of Fas expression on CD4(+) T-cells and HIV-induced elevated levels of cellular and soluble FasL. Together, both effects contribute to enhanced apoptosis of CD4(+) T-cells in HIV/HCV coinfection.