Unveiling altered CD8 T-cell metabolism and homeostatic proliferation behind a low CD4/CD8 ratio in ART-suppressed HIV individuals with normal CD4 recovery

Abstract

A low CD4/CD8 ratio in chronic PLWH stands on a larger viral reservoir in CD4 T cells and metabolic alterations in CD8 T cells, probably related to its exhaustion and compromised effector functionality, and thymic output could contribute to such alterations. Patients with lower nadir-CD4 showed a resting-like CD4 phenotype and a metabolically active CD8 subset, without further viral reservoir extension. Persistence of low CD4/CD8 ratio and low nadir-CD4 counts seems to rely on different immune damage.