The Role of CD8+ T Cell Soluble Factors in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: An Update

CD8+ T cells are strong mediators of antiviral responses. In addition to lysis of HIV infected cells, CD8+ T cells produce proteins which inhibit HIV replication by non-lytic mechanisms. These proteins include β-chemokines which inhibit viral entry and IL-16 which inhibits HIV transcription. The CD8+ T cell antiviral factor (CAF) also inhibits HIV transcription. CAF remains unidentified. This update summarizes the research conducted over the last two years pertaining to CD8+ T cell antiviral activity.