Decreased expression of ζ molecules by T lymphocytes is correlated with disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons

In human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, functional activities of T lymphocytes are impaired. Analogous to tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes from cancer patients, in whom poor proliferative responses are associated with fewer zeta molecules, this study compared expression of CD 3 zeta molecules by T lymphocytes from HIV-infected persons and healthy controls. Flow cytometry and immunoblotting revealed significantly diminished zeta expression by CD3, CD4, and CD8 T lymphocytes from AIDS patients but not from persons without AIDS. zeta-mRNA levels were also decreased in cells from AIDS patients. CD3 zeta expression correlated significantly with CD4 cell counts and HIV-1 RNA levels; impaired expression of CD3 zeta molecules appeared to be reversible upon virus load reduction following highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). Thus, reduced expression of CD3 zeta molecules by T lymphocytes from HIV-infected persons correlates with disease status. Investigations into CD3 zeta expression by subpopulations of peripheral T lymphocytes and by T lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues will contribute to the understanding of immune reconstitution of HIV-infected patients following HAART.