HIV induces deletion of T cell receptor variable gene product-specific T cells

SUMMARY Using a flow cytometrie method, CD4+, CD8+, αβ TCR+ and TCR variable region gene product (TVRGP)-specific T cells were analysed in heallhy heterosexual males (HHeM). HIV-seronegative homosexual males (SNHM). asymptomatic seropositive homosexual males (ASPH) and homosexual males with AIDS who were either well (AIDS-A). or unwell in hospilal (AIDS-B). Total CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers were similar in HHeM and SNHM. CD4+ T cells were significantly reduced in ASPH relative to both HHeM and SNHM and in AIDS-A and AIDS-B relative to SNHM. TVRGP-specific T cells expressed as a percentage of TCR αβ+ cells showed no significant difference in HHeM. SNHM and AIDS-B. The proportion of αβ+ cells expressing the Vβ5·1, Vβ12 and Vα2 gene product (GP) was. however, significantly reduced in ASPH and AIDS-B relative to HHeM. SNHM and AIDS-A. Possible causes of TVRGP-specific T cell deletion arc discussed.