CD56−CD16+ NK cells from HIV-infected individuals negatively regulate IFN-γ production by autologous CD8+ T cells

The percentage of human CD56−CD16+ NK cells increases during chronic infection with human HIV; however, the biologic role of CD56−CD16+ NK cells in HIV infection is unclear. Our results demonstrate that the percentage of CD56−CD16+ NK cells producing IL-10 and TGF-β was higher than CD56dimCD16+ NK cells. CD56−CD16+ NK cells could inhibit IFN-γ production by autologous CD8+ T cells, and this inhibition could be partially reversed by anti-IL-10, anti-TGF-β, or anti-PD-L1 mAbs. CD56−CD16+ NK cells are potential targets for the development of novel immune therapies against HIV infection.