Innate Immune Cell Functions Contribute to Spontaneous HIV Control

To review the role of innate immune cells in shaping the viral reservoir and maintenance of long-term viral control of spontaneous Elite and Viremic HIV controllers.

HIV controllers exhibit a smaller and transcriptionally suppressed viral reservoir. Different studies report that early responses from innate cells play a pivotal role in this reservoir configuration. NK cells, particularly those with cytotoxic activity and polyfunctional monocytes, have been linked to viral control, and DCs may contribute through early viral sensing and activation of adaptive responses. In some cases, cytotoxic NK cells appeared before HIV-specific CD8 + T cells, underscoring their importance in early viral suppression.

Innate immune cells, including NK cells, monocytes, DCs, and γδ T-cells, are crucial in shaping the viral reservoir in HIV controllers. Early, robust innate responses may help to maintain long-term viral suppression and offer insights into potential therapeutic approaches.