UCSF

Purpose of review

Immunological studies of spontaneous HIV and simian virus (SIV) controllers have identified virus-specific CD8 +  T cells as a key immune mechanism of viral control. The purpose of this review is to consider how knowledge about the mechanisms that are associated with CD8 +  T cell control of HIV/SIV in natural infection can be harnessed in HIV remission strategies.

Recent findings

We discuss characteristics of CD8 +  T-cell responses that may be critical for suppressing HIV replication in spontaneous controllers comprising HIV antigen recognition including specific human leukocyte antigen types, broadly cross-reactive T cell receptors and epitope targeting, enhanced expansion and antiviral functions, and localization of virus-specific T cells near sites of reservoir persistence. We also discuss the need to better understand the timing of CD8 +  T-cell responses associated with viral control of HIV/SIV during acute infection and after treatment interruption as well as the mechanisms by which HIV/SIV-specific CD8 +  T cells coordinate with other immune responses to achieve control.

Summary

We propose implications as to how this knowledge from natural infection can be applied in the design and evaluation of CD8 +  T-cell-based remission strategies and offer questions to consider as these strategies target distinct CD8 +  T-cell-dependent mechanisms of viral control.