CD3+CD8+CD161high Tc17 cells are depleted in HIV-infection.

CD8 Tc17 cells with pro-inflammatory properties have only recently been acknowledged, and Tc17 cells in HIV-infection are not described. CD3CD8CD161 Tc17 cells and the production of interleukin (IL)-17 were examined in untreated and treated HIV-infected patients, HIV-hepatitis C virus co-infected patients, and healthy controls. Depletion of CD3CD8CD161 Tc17 cells and diminished production of IL-17 in HIV-infected patients were found. The level of Tc17 cells was associated with the CD4 cell count in treated patients.