Bacterial antigen activation of V delta 1 and V delta 2 gamma delta T cells of persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1

V delta 2 gamma delta T cells are readily activated by microbial antigens. In persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the number of gamma delta T cells remains the same or increases in association with reversal of the V delta 2/V delta 1 ratio from greater than or equal to 1 to <1. V delta 2 T cell responses to microbial antigens were tested in 11 HIV-1-infected (greater than or equal to 500 CD4 cells/mm(3)) and 7 uninfected persons. In persons with HIV-1 infection, Mycobacterium tuberculosis expanded V delta 2 cells in 1 person as did Salmonella typhimurium in 4; however, Candida albicans antigens did not lead to more V delta 2 cells. V delta 2 responses to M. tuberculosis were enhanced by interleukin (IL)-2 in HIV-1-infected persons (from 1 subject to 7; P < .01) and were associated with increased interferon-gamma production. Bacterial antigens and IL-2 increased HIV-1 replication; M. tuberculosis antigens induced the greatest increase. Thus, in HIV-1-infected persons with greater than or equal to 500 CD4 cells/mm(3), V delta 2 T cell responses to bacterial antigens remain intact.