CD8dim and NKG2D expression defines related subsets of CD4+ T cells in HIV-infected patients with worse prognostic factors.

CD4 T lymphocytes expressing CD8dim (DP: CD4 CD8dim) or NKG2D represent cytotoxic effector populations, which have been involved in viral infections and chronic diseases. The frequency of DP cells was analyzed by flow cytometry in 300 consecutive HIV-infected patients and 50 healthy controls. NKG2D expression and memory/effector markers in CD4 T cells were also studied, in addition to virologic and genetic factors involved in DP T-cell expansion.