Virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV-1.

A vigorous virus-specific cytotoxic response has been detected in individuals infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). ADCC and CTL activities specific to the envelope glycoproteins could be measured at the same time from the same donor. CTL response have been shown directed to most viral structural and non-structural proteins. The p24gag protein is the most frequent target of HIV-specific CTL. The characterization of CTL epitopes at the level of the human population is of importance for vaccine strategy. The mechanism of control of virus replication by CD8+ T lymphocytes is not elucidated but HIV-specific CTL have been shown to mediate this antiviral activity. The biological relevance of CTL in vivo is discussed.