Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) Infection of a Rhesus Macaque Induces SIV-Specific CD8(+) T Cells with a Defect in Effector Function That Is Reversible on Extended Interleukin-2 Incubation

A vigorous expansion of antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells lacking apparent effector function was observed in a rhesus macaque acutely infected with the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strain SIVmac239. Antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells were identified using antigenic-peptide class I major histocompatibility complex tetramers. As many as 8.3% of CD8(+) cells recognized the Mamu-A*01-associated SIV epitope Gag(181–189) (CTPYDINQM); however, these cells demonstrated no effector function when presented with peptide-incubated targets, as measured by intracellular cytokine staining for gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2) production, or direct cellular lysis. Similar results were observed with three other SIV peptide antigens. Nonresponsiveness did not correlate with apoptosis of the CD8(+) cells, nor were cells from this macaque impaired in their ability to present peptide antigens. Associated with the nonresponsive state was a lack of IL-2 production and decreased IL-2 receptor expression. Exogenous IL-2 treatment for 1 week in the absence of antigenic stimulation restored antigen-specific responses and the quantitative correlation between tetramer recognition and antigen-responsive IFN-γ secretion. This case report suggests a regulatory mechanism that may impede the effector function of antigen-specific T cells during acute infection with SIV or human immunodeficiency virus in some cases. This mechanism may participate in the failure of the immune system to limit infection.