HTLV-2 Enhances CD8+ T Cell-Mediated HIV-1 Inhibition and Reduces HIV-1 Integrated Proviral Load in People Living with HIV-1

People living with HIV-1 and HTLV-2 concomitantly show slower CD4⁺ T cell depletion and AIDS progression, more frequency of the natural control of HIV-1, and lower mortality rates. A similar beneficial effect of this infection has been reported on HCV coinfection reducing transaminases, increasing the spontaneous clearance of HCV infection and delaying the development of hepatic fibrosis. Given the critical role of CD8⁺ T cells in controlling HIV-1 infection, we analysed the role of CD8⁺ T cell-mediated cytotoxic activity in coinfected individuals living with HIV-1. One hundred and twenty-eight individuals living with HIV-1 in four groups were studied: two groups with HTLV-2 infection, including individuals with HCV infection (N = 41) and with a sustained virological response (SVR) after HCV treatment (N = 25); and two groups without HTLV-2 infection, including individuals with HCV infection (N = 25) and with a sustained virological response after treatment (N = 37). We found that CD8⁺ T cell-mediated HIV-1 inhibition in vitro was higher in individuals with HTLV-2. This inhibition activity was associated with a higher frequency of effector memory CD8⁺ T cells, higher levels of granzyme A and granzyme B cytolytic enzymes, and perforin. Hence, cellular and soluble cytolytic factors may contribute to the lower HIV-1 pre-ART viral load and the HIV-1 proviral load during ART therapy associated with HTLV-2 infection. Herein, we confirmed and expanded previous findings on the role of HTLV-2 in the beneficial effect on the pathogenesis of HIV-1 in coinfected individuals.

[Occurrence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in chronic viral hepatitis C]

INTRODUCTION

We report the occurrence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma during the course of chronic hepatitis C treated with alpha-interferon.

EXEGESIS

Specific viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and human T-cell leukemia viruses I and II may be at the origin of various lymphomas in human. The presence of B cell lymphoma in the course of chronic hepatitis C has already been described and could be related to the lymphoid tropism of hepatitis C virus.

CONCLUSION

This new report of an association between chronic hepatitis C and B cell lymphoma should lead physicians to search for signs of lymphoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type-I (HTLV-I) retrovirus and human disease

Human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type-I (HTLV-I) was the first pathogenic retrovirus identified in humans. HTLV-I is now linked to a number of clinical diseases, most notably adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and the syndrome known as HTLV-associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). For the emergency physician practicing among patients from high-risk groups, HTLV-I infection and its associated diseases are presenting an increasing challenge. This report describes its transmission, seroprevalence, associated diseases, and methods to control the spread of this retrovirus.