RNA-seq analysis of HIV-specific T cell subsets in HIV-1 Virus Controllers

We sought to use RNA-sequencing to determine the ontogeny and anti-viral properties of HLA class II-restricted CD8+ T cells in HIV-1 Virus Controllers in comparison with conventional HLA class I-restricted CD8+ T cells and HLA class II-restricted CD4+ T cells. The ultimate goal was determine whether unconventional HLA class II-restricted CD8+ T cells expressed genes associated with CD8+ T cell-mediated HIV-1 virus control, and also investigate whether class II-restricted CD8+ T cells expressed CD4 and CD8+ T cell lineage-specific transcripts.