Helper T-cell recognition of HIV-1 Tat synthetic peptides

Tat protein may activate helper CD4+ cells in individuals infected with HIV type 1 (HIV-1). This protein is a regulatory protein that is necessary for replication of HIV-1. A study examined response of helper CD4+ T cells to recombinant (genetically engineered) Tat protein and 12 different Tat protein subunits in 15 HIV-positive individuals and 11 HIV-negative individuals (control group). HIV-positive individuals were more likely to have a response to recombinant Tat than those in the control group. Three Tat protein subunits caused a helper CD4+ T cell response in the HIV-positive individuals but not in HIV-negative individuals.