Early HIV-1 infection is associated with reduced frequencies of cervical Th17 cells.

BACKGROUND: The hallmark of HIV infection is progressive but variable rates of systemic and mucosal CD4 depletion, leading to immunodeficiency. The impact of early HIV infection on cervical CD4 T-cell populations in humans remains poorly described. METHODS: We analyzed cytobrush-derived immune cells by flow cytometry and cytokines in cervicovaginal lavage from participants in early HIV ( 10-fold in early HIV infection and Th1 cells (defined as CCR6CXCR3) were reduced by >2-fold. Although CCR6CCR10 cells did not differ in HIV receptor expression, these cells produced higher levels of interferon gamma and interleukin 17. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the model of initial CD4 T-cell depletion followed by overall T-cell influx in response to infection and concomitant increases in immune activation, inflammation, and regulatory markers. These data are among the earliest characterization of the cellular milieu in the female genital tract following male-to-female HIV transmission.