CD56-CD16+ NK cells from HIV-infected individuals negatively regulate IFN-γ production by autologous CD8+ T cells

The percentage of human CD56(-)CD16(+) NK cells increases during chronic infection with human HIV; however, the biologic role of CD56(-)CD16(+) NK cells in HIV infection is unclear. Our results demonstrate that the percentage of CD56(-)CD16(+) NK cells producing IL-10 and TGF-beta was higher than CD56(dim)CD16(+) NK cells. CD56(-)CD16(+) NK cells could inhibit IFN-gamma production by autologous CD8(+) T cells, and this inhibition could be partially reversed by anti-IL-10, anti-TGF-beta, or anti-PD-L1 mAbs. CD56(-)CD16(+) NK cells are potential targets for the development of novel immune therapies against HIV infection.