Long-term antiretroviral therapy initiated in acute HIV infection prevents residual dysfunction of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells

BACKGROUND: T cells become dysfunctional without treatment, antiretroviral therapy (ART) partially restores their function. However, the extent of this recovery under long-term ART is less understood. METHODS: T cells after long-term ART initiated in acute or chronic HIV infection ex vivo and upon in vitro recall. FINDINGS: T cells lacking stemness properties and exhibiting residual dysfunction upon recall, with reduced proliferation and cytolytic activity. INTERPRETATION: T cell numbers and induce stem cell-like properties to reverse the residual dysfunction persisting on ART in people treated after acute infection prior to ART release. FUNDING: U.S. National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense.