New findings explain T-cell loss in HIV infection

For a number of years, many scientists have believed that HIV depletes its primary target, CD4+ T cells, by blocking new T-cell production. Two independent studies now challenge that point of view, showing that HIV does not block such production but instead accelerates the division of existing cells.

Following the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART, there is an immediate drop in the rate of T-cell production accompanied by an even greater decrease in the rate of CD4 T-cell death. Thus, the increases in CD4+ T-cell counts seen following HAART are not due to a boost in the production of new T cells. Rather, they are caused by a slowdown in the loss of existing T cells.

[This item is delivered to the "PlusNews" HIV/AIDS Service of the UN's IRIN humanitarian information unit, but may not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations.]

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