Change of expression of CD28 on peripheral CD4~+,CD8~+ T lymphocytes in HIV/AIDS patients

Objective This study was designed to investigate the change of expression of CD28 on CD4 +, CD8 + T lymphocytes in HIV/AIDS patients and to explore the clinical significance of the change. Methods Expression of CD28 on peripheral blood CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes in 51 health blood donors, 14 asymptomatic HIV infected individuals and 36 AIDS patients was analysed by flow cytometry. The plasma viral load of 11 asymptomatic HIV infected individuals and 18 AIDS patients was determined by bDNA. Results Percentage of CD4 +CD28 + and CD8 +CD28 + cells, CD4 +CD28 + cell count showed a picture as AIDS group HIV group normal control; the count of CD8 +CD28 + cells in HIV group and controls was higher than that in AIDS group. There was negative correlation between CD4 +, CD4 +CD28 +count and plasma viral load. Conclusion The expression of CD28 on CD4 +, CD8 + T lymphocytes in HIV/AIDS patients decreased along with disease progress reflecting gradual impairment of cell-mediated immunity and poor prognosis.