Characterization of the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 reveals a CD8 ⁺ T cell subset that likely establishes the memory to the virus.

Background. Systemic inflammation has been linked to a failure to normalize CD4⁺ T-cell numbers in treated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) are predictors of disease progression in treated HIV infection, it is not clear how or whether inflammatory mediators contribute to immune restoration failure. Methods. We examined the in vitro effects of IL-6 and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) on peripheral blood T-cell cycling and CD127 surface expression. Results. The proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β induces cell cycling and turnover of memory CD4⁺ T cells, and IL-6 can induce low-level cycling of naive T cells. Both IL-1β and IL-6 can decrease T-cell surface expression and RNA levels of CD127, the interleukin 7 receptor α chain (IL-7Rα). Preexposure of healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to IL-6 or IL-1β attenuates IL-7–induced Stat5 phosphorylation and induction of the prosurvival factor Bcl-2 and the gut homing integrin α4β7. We found elevated expression of IL-1β in the lymphoid tissues of patients with HIV infection that did not normalize with antiretroviral therapy. Conclusions. Induction of CD4⁺ T-cell turnover and diminished T-cell responsiveness to IL-7 by IL-1β and IL-6 exposure may contribute to the lack of CD4⁺ T-cell reconstitution in treated HIV-infected subjects.

Coronavirus Disease 19 is a global healthcare emergency with high lethality rate. Relevant inflammatory cytokine storm is associated with severity of disease and IL1 inhibition is a cornerstone treatment for hyperinflammatory diseases. We present here the case of a patient with critical COVID-19 successfully treated with IL-1 receptor antagonist (anakinra).

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are reshaping the landscape of cancer treatment, redefining the prognosis of several tumors. They act by restoring the cytotoxic activity of tumor-specific T lymphocytes that are in a condition of immune exhaustion. The same condition has been widely described in chronic HIV infection. In this review, we dissect the role of ICIs in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHIV). First, we provide an overview of the immunologic scenario. Second, we discuss the possible use of ICIs as adjuvant treatment of HIV to achieve elimination of the viral reservoir. Third, we examine the influence of HIV infection on ICI safety and effectiveness. Finally, we describe how the administration of ICIs impacts opportunistic infections.