Modifications of CD4 T cells, CD4/CD8 ratio and serum levels of soluble CD14 in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients after sustained HCV response induced by direct-acting antiviral agents: influence of liver cirrhosis

Abstract

To analyze the modifications of CD4 T cell, CD4/CD8 ratio, and serum levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14) in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients after treatment with direct anti-HCV antiviral agents. Consecutive cases of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, attended at the University Hospital, who achieved sustained virological responses with interferon-free hepatitis C antiviral drugs, were analyzed. Thirty-five percent of patients (n = 39) had been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. The evaluation criteria were changes in CD4 T-cell counts and percentages and inflammation (measured by serum sCD14 levels) or immune activation indexes (determined by CD4/CD8 ratio) from beginning anti-HCV therapy to 12 months later. One hundred twelve patients were included (87% male; median age, 54 years; median time from the infection diagnosis, 22 years; previous drug users, 87%). Significant increases in CD4 T cell count and percentage were detected only in individuals without liver cirrhosis. No significant differences in CD4/CD8 ratios or sCD14 levels were observed in patients with or without cirrhosis. The proportion of patients with less than 500 CD4 T cell/mm3 before therapy who achieved more than 500 CD4 T cell/mm3 after it increased only in the group without liver cirrhosis. The finding that CD4 T cell count and percentage were improved only in patients without liver cirrhosis supports the idea that treatment against HCV in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients is needed in the early phases of liver disease.