Profile of Double Positive T Cells (CD45+CD3+CD4+CD8+) in HIV-Infected Population in Santos City - Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Background Double Positive T Cells (CD45+CD3+CD4+CD8+) (DP) are characterized by the presence of CD4 and CD8 receptors during the development of T lymphocytes in thymus. The presence of these immature cells in peripheral blood have been shown to be present in several diseases, including in advanced stages in HIV infections. The objective of this research was to characterize the populations of Double Positive T cells in patients infected with HIV in the city of Santos, Brazil. Methodology Analysis of 12350 peripheral blood samples from HIV patients in the city of Santos between the years 2014 and 2017. The identification of the DP cells was performed by flow cytometry with CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD45 receptor markers. Results The analysis determined the prevalence of 4.7% (585 samples) of DP T cells in the population of Santos. The mean T-lymphocyte population is 1 cell. The absolute means of this population of helper and suppressor lymphocytes are 858.43 cells/μl - 31.33% and 1243.03 cells/μl - 45.39%. Samples with values greater than 5% of DP cells represented 0.11% (14 samples), which presented mean values higher than 1000 cells/μl of suppressor lymphocytes. Only half the samples had viral copies, the others were undetectable. There was a predominance of Double Negative T cells (CD45+CD3+CD4−CD8−) 95.4% (11,784 samples). Conclusions The presence of DP T cells was not superior to Double Negative T cells. No changes were found in the absolute counts of helper lymphocytes and only half had viral copies, with lymphocyte counts without compromising. The immune status of people living with HIV is important for understanding the course of the disease and for future therapeutic interventions.