Short Communication NKG2C+ NK Cells Contribute to Increases in CD16+CD56- Cells in HIV Type 1+ Individuals with High Plasma Viral Load

Chronic HIV-1 infection results in the expansion of both NKG2C(+) and CD16(+)CD56(-) human natural killer cells. NKG2C(+) cells proliferate in response to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and expansion of the dysfunctional CD56(-)CD16(+) natural killer (NK) cells is associated with HIV-1 viremia. Here we report an association between increased proportions of CD56-CD16(+) NK cells in viremic HIV-1(+) individuals and an increased contribution of NKG2C(+) cells to this subset. These data, in addition to anti-HCMV IgG serology, indicate a potential contribution of both HCMV and HIV-1 to NK cell dysfunction in HIV-1-infected individuals.