Antigen-stimulated apoptotic T-cell death in HIV infection is selective for CD4+T cells, modulated by cytokines and effected by lymphotoxin

Abstract

Stimulation of HIV-positive PBMC with CD4-dependent antigens results in selective death of CD4+ T cells that is modulated by cytokines. Our results suggest that apoptotic death is not limited to HIV-infected or HIV-specific T cells, but occurs in bystander cells. Lymphotoxin is a mediator of antigen-stimulated T-cell death in this in vitro model.