Association between longer duration of HIV-suppressive therapy and partial recovery of the V gamma 2 T cell receptor repertoire.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection alters the function and repertoire of peripheral blood gamma delta T cells expressing the V gamma 2/V delta 2 T cell receptor (TCR). A cross-sectional comparison of the V gamma 2 TCR repertoire was performed for 56 HIV-infected subjects, 51 of whom were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), to measure changes in the V gamma 2 TCR repertoire. Longer durations of HAART were associated with partial recovery of the normal TCR repertoire, and recovery was greatest in subjects with complete virus suppression. Changes in the V gamma 2 TCR repertoire are sensitive measures for the effects of HAART and of residual HIV replication.