Decreased expression of the memory marker CD26 on both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes of HIV-infected subjects

HIV infection may decrease the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with the CD26 memory marker on their surface. Decreased production of memory markers may impair immunological memory in HIV-infected individuals. Researchers compared number and proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with the CD26 memory marker in 72 HIV-positive individuals and 42 healthy individuals (control group). HIV-infected individuals had a significantly lower absolute number and proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with the CD26 memory marker than individuals in the control group. The absolute number of CD4+ T cells with the CD26 memory marker decreased with progressive stages of HIV infection. The absolute number of CD8+ T cells with the CD26 memory marker was low at all stages of infection.