HAART-Induced Reconstitution of Herpes Simplex Virus-specific IFN-γ CD4 T Cell Response is Highly Correlated to CD4 Cell Count Gain

Background: Secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by activated T cells has been proposed as a key protective mechanism against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. We reported previously that the clinical expression of HSV infection declined in HIV-infected patients after the introduction of HAART, suggesting restoration of immunologic control. Our aim here was to study HSV-specific T-cell immunity in peripheral blood of HIV-infected persons at different disease stages.