Grant: New Investigator Award - PA: HIV/AIDS Biomedical/Clinical Research

An immune response that effectively clears a viral infection depends on the actions of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells (CTL). Cellular messengers known as cytokines, particularly interleukin-7 (IL-7), are very important in generating such responses. In progressive HIV and hepatitis-C virus (HCV) infections, CTL function is impaired, and similarly, IL-7 and its receptor CD127, have reduced activity. We have detected increased levels of a soluble form of CD127 (sCD127) in HIV+ individuals, which may function to alter IL-7 activity and contribute to immune impairment. Furthermore, in HIV-HCV co-infected individuals, a co-morbidity affecting approximately 30% of HIV+ individuals, sCD127 may contribute to HIV/AIDS progression. Studies will investigate expression and functions of sCD127 in both HCV mono- and HIV-HCV co-infection. This research could lead to be better understanding of how sCD127 influences anti-viral responses, thereby building the foundation needed for the development of novel immunotherapeutics and vaccine adjuvants to fight HIV and HCV infections.