Do regulatory T-cells play a role in AIDS pathogenesis?

The impairment of adaptive immune responses to HIV and abnormalities in the immune regulatory function mechanisms during HIV infection have been regarded as key issues in AIDS pathogenesis since the early years of the pandemic. However, the multiple mechanisms underlying this impairment are still not fully understood. New emerging information shows that alterations in the number and/or function of regulatory T-cells may contribute to HIV pathogenesis. Thus, pharmacologic manipulation of regulatory T-cells as well as blocking the activity of other immunomodulatory molecules, such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor and PD1, might provide a valuable approach to redirect the immune system towards an efficient antiviral response.