Impact of CD8+ T-cell activation on CD4+ T-cell recovery and mortality in HIV-infected Ugandans initiating antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Higher pre-ART CD8(+) T-cell activation independently predicts slower CD4(+) T-cell recovery and higher persistent CD8(+) T-cell activation during ART-mediated viral suppression independently predicts increased mortality among HIV-infected Ugandans. Novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing or reversing immune activation during ART are needed in this setting.