ACTIVATION OF BLOOD T-CELLS IN HIV/HCV CO-INFECTED PATIENT

Expression of HLA-DR which is immune response activation marker on T-cells and their subpopulations (CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes) and number of CD4+/CD25+ cells with immune suppression properties in blood of HIV/HCV coinfected patients depending on HIV viral load, AIDS and receiving of antiretroviral therapy were studied. It was detected that HLA-DR expression on T-cells was significantly higher in patients with detectable HIV viral load, AIDS, and in patients not receiving antiretroviral therapy. Antiretroviral therapy leads to significant reduction of immune system activation markers expression, though it doesn’t allow to reach the level of healthy individuals. Number of CD4+/CD25+ cells had inverse correlation with activated CD3+ and CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes and HIV viral load.