CD8+ T cells are an essential component of the adaptive immune system and critical mediators of antiviral responses. Through recognition of viral antigens bound to antigen-presenting molecules on the surface of infected cells, CD8+ T cells mediate a wide array of immune responses, including cytokine production, and cytotoxic and cytolytic responses that may ultimately lead to infected cell death. During human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, CD8+ T cells are essential for early control of viral replication and continue to exert some level of control throughout the chronic phase, despite progressive signs of cellular dysfunction and exhaustion as the infection progresses.
Although an important role for CD8+ T cells in the control of HIV/SIV replication has been shown, the exact mechanisms through which CD8+ T cells elicit protection have yet to be elucidated. In addition, less in known about the role of CD8+ T cells at the sites of viral antigen exposure and processing, such as the gut mucosa and the lymph nodes, both during infection and upon vaccination or therapeutic interventions. Thus, a better understanding of the immunobiology and complex mechanisms of action of CD8+ T cells during HIV/SIV infection and upon interventions is needed. Given the importance of CD8+ T cells in the early control of viral replication, but also their capacity to suppress viral replication and potentially contribute to latency, strategies able to harness effector functions of CD8+ T cells and target the HIV reservoir will be a promising path forward for HIV vaccination and cure strategies.
We welcome submissions of Original Research, Method, Review, Mini-Review, Opinion, and Perspective articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:
• Association of CD8+ T cell phenotype and/or functionality with acquisition of infection and clinical outcomes of disease progression.
• Phenotypic and functional characterization of CD8+ T cells at peripheral, mucosal, and lymphoid sites during HIV/SIV infection.
• Cross-talk between CD8+ T cells and other components of the immune system, during HIV/SIV infection or upon vaccination or therapeutic strategies.
• Modulation of CD8+ T cell antiviral responses by therapeutic agents.
• Innovative strategies that harness the function of CD8+ T cells for HIV/SIV vaccination or therapeutic strategies.
• Current understanding of the role CD8+ T cells in HIV/SIV infection and during vaccination or therapeutic interventions.
CD8+ T cells are an essential component of the adaptive immune system and critical mediators of antiviral responses. Through recognition of viral antigens bound to antigen-presenting molecules on the surface of infected cells, CD8+ T cells mediate a wide array of immune responses, including cytokine production, and cytotoxic and cytolytic responses that may ultimately lead to infected cell death. During human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, CD8+ T cells are essential for early control of viral replication and continue to exert some level of control throughout the chronic phase, despite progressive signs of cellular dysfunction and exhaustion as the infection progresses.
Although an important role for CD8+ T cells in the control of HIV/SIV replication has been shown, the exact mechanisms through which CD8+ T cells elicit protection have yet to be elucidated. In addition, less in known about the role of CD8+ T cells at the sites of viral antigen exposure and processing, such as the gut mucosa and the lymph nodes, both during infection and upon vaccination or therapeutic interventions. Thus, a better understanding of the immunobiology and complex mechanisms of action of CD8+ T cells during HIV/SIV infection and upon interventions is needed. Given the importance of CD8+ T cells in the early control of viral replication, but also their capacity to suppress viral replication and potentially contribute to latency, strategies able to harness effector functions of CD8+ T cells and target the HIV reservoir will be a promising path forward for HIV vaccination and cure strategies.
We welcome submissions of Original Research, Method, Review, Mini-Review, Opinion, and Perspective articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:
• Association of CD8+ T cell phenotype and/or functionality with acquisition of infection and clinical outcomes of disease progression.
• Phenotypic and functional characterization of CD8+ T cells at peripheral, mucosal, and lymphoid sites during HIV/SIV infection.
• Cross-talk between CD8+ T cells and other components of the immune system, during HIV/SIV infection or upon vaccination or therapeutic strategies.
• Modulation of CD8+ T cell antiviral responses by therapeutic agents.
• Innovative strategies that harness the function of CD8+ T cells for HIV/SIV vaccination or therapeutic strategies.
• Current understanding of the role CD8+ T cells in HIV/SIV infection and during vaccination or therapeutic interventions.