1. Impact of age and sex on CD4+ T-cell counts in HIV-infected individuals
Our analysis revealed that when CD4 counts were stratified by age, people older than 50 years had a significantly lower mean CD4 count of 350 cells/µL than did those aged 36--50 years (p < 0.01), indicating a strong relationship between advanced age and CD4 depletion, likely due to factors such as thymic involution and reduced immune regeneration [10].
Males had an average CD4 count of 430 cells/µL, whereas females had an average CD4 count of 470 cells/µL (p = 0.08), suggesting a trend toward more rapid CD4 decline in males, although the difference was not statistically significant. Wright et al. (2013) and Ziegler and Altfeld (2016) support these findings, linking age-related decreases in CD4 counts to immunosenescence and the protective effects of estrogen in women [11].
The decline in CD4 counts with age emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and personalized treatment for older HIV-positive patients, as lower CD4 levels are associated with a greater risk of opportunistic infections and worse clinical outcomes. The reduction in CD4 T cells may stem from decreased thymic output, accumulation of senescent T cells, and chronic inflammation, which exacerbates T-cell exhaustion. Monitoring CD4 counts is crucial in clinical practice and serves as a key indicator of immune function that guides treatment decisions in HIV management [12].
2. Association between T CD4+ levels and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PNNs) in HIV: Implications for innate immunity
A significant inverse association was found between CD4 T-cell counts and PNN levels. Indeed, patients with lower CD4 counts presented a significantly lower average PNN count. This downward trend in PNN levels as CD4 counts decrease suggests a compromised immune response, which may increase susceptibility to bacterial infections.
Hensley-McBain and Klatt (2018) emphasized the importance of neutrophils in the innate immune response to infections, particularly bacterial pathogens [13]. They noted that neutrophil dysfunction can worsen HIV effects, leading to heightened vulnerability to opportunistic infections. Monitoring PNN levels can offer important prognostic information for HIV-infected patients, as low neutrophil counts correlate with higher infection rates and poorer clinical outcomes, necessitating prompt interventions [13]. The inverse relationship between CD4 and PNN counts may result from impaired neutrophil production and mobilization in response to infection, influenced by cytokine signaling pathways, such as the reduced activity of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), which are critical for neutrophil differentiation, activation, and migration [14]. The inflammatory environment in HIV-infected individuals, characterized by elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, further exacerbates neutrophil dysfunction. Evaluating PNN levels is essential for assessing the innate immune response in HIV patients, enabling better risk stratification and management of potential infections [15].
3. Correlation between CD4+ depletion and eosinophil counts in HIV: implications for antiparasitic immunity
A significant association was observed between eosinophil (PNE) counts and CD4 levels. Patients with lower CD4 counts presented markedly lower eosinophil counts. This downward trend in eosinophil levels as CD4 counts decline suggests a potentially impaired immune response to parasitic infections, indicating that lower CD4 levels are associated with reduced eosinophil counts.
Masenga et al. (2020) noted that eosinophil counts often reflect inflammatory responses; however, their depletion in HIV patients suggests broader immune suppression. Eosinophil counts can serve as a prognostic marker, as low levels may indicate a compromised immune response, particularly concerning parasitic infections, thereby guiding therapeutic strategies [16]. The decline in eosinophil levels in patients with low CD4 counts may be attributed to impaired signaling pathways and altered production of cytokines, such as interleukin-5 (IL-5), which are essential for eosinophil maturation and activation [17]. Additionally, the overproduction of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), a molecule known to suppress eosinophil differentiation and function, may further contribute to eosinophil depletion in HIV patients. Assessing eosinophil levels is important in the context of HIV, as it provides insights into immune dysregulation and helps tailor interventions for associated infections [18].
4. Impact of CD4+ depletion on basophil reduction in HIV: Consequences for allergic responses and immune regulation
A significant association was found between basophil (PNB) counts and CD4 levels. Patients with lower CD4 counts presented a significantly lower basophil count. This decline in basophil levels with decreasing CD4 counts indicates a trend toward impaired regulation of inflammatory and allergic responses as CD4 levels decrease.
Marone et al. (2016) highlighted the critical role of basophils in regulating immune responses, particularly in allergic inflammation. Basophils express high-affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptors (FcεRIs), which are essential for mediating allergic reactions [19]. The depletion of these genes in HIV-infected individuals may suggest a loss of immune regulatory capacity. Basophil counts serve as valuable prognostic indicators, as low levels may reflect impaired immune regulation and heightened susceptibility to allergic and inflammatory conditions [20]. Additionally, the reduction in basophil levels may result from HIV-induced alterations in the production of cytokines, such as decreased interleukin-3 (IL-3) and interleukin-33 (IL-33), which are crucial for basophil differentiation and activation. Additionally, disruptions in the STAT5 signaling pathway, which is activated by cytokines such as IL-3, may impair basophil survival and function. Assessing basophil counts is crucial for understanding immune dysregulation in HIV patients, enabling better management of allergic and inflammatory responses [21].
5. Association between CD4+ levels and monocyte reduction in HIV: Implications for the immune response and inflammation
An association was observed between CD4 levels and monocyte counts. Patients with lower CD4 counts presented a lower average monocyte count. This finding indicates a downward trend in monocyte counts as CD4 levels decrease, which may compromise the immune system's ability to respond to infections.
Teer et al. (2021) emphasized the critical role of monocytes in both innate and adaptive immune responses, noting that their depletion in HIV patients is linked to increased susceptibility to infections and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In addition, the decline in monocyte population may result from increased apoptosis and disrupted differentiation processes, driven by the chronic inflammatory environment in HIV patients [22, 23].
On the other hand, despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), monocyte activation persists in HIV infection, characterized by the release of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which contribute to systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Activated monocytes expressing markers such as CD11b and CX3CR1 are strongly associated with increased CVD risk. Evaluating monocyte levels and their activation state is vital for understanding immune dysfunction in HIV patients and developing strategies to mitigate related complications, including cardiovascular disease [24].
6. Increase in CD8+ T cells in HIV patients with CD4+ depletion: Adaptive immune response mechanisms
A significant increase in CD8+ T-cell counts was observed as CD4+ T-cell counts decreased. This known inverse relationship between CD4 and CD8 levels suggests that as CD4+ T cells are depleted, CD8+ T cells proliferate as a compensatory mechanism, reflecting an adaptive immune response to CD4+ T-cell depletion.
Such observations have already been reported by Tyznik et al. (2004), who reported that CD8+ T cells expand significantly in CD4-deficient environments. Elevated CD8 counts can serve as a prognostic marker, indicating persistent immune activation and a greater potential for disease progression in HIV-infected individuals [25].
The expansion of CD8+ T cells in response to CD4+ T-cell depletion is driven primarily by cytokine signaling pathways involving interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-15 (IL-15), which are critical for CD8+ T-cell proliferation, activation, and survival [26]. Additionally, signaling through the JAK-STAT pathway, which is activated by IL-2 and IL-15, further supports CD8+ T-cell expansion. Therefore, monitoring CD8+ T-cell counts provides important insights into the immune landscape in HIV patients and helps guide therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring immune balance and managing disease progression effectively [27].
7. Decline in NK cells with CD4 depletion in HIV: Consequences for innate immunity and the antiviral response
Our study did not reveal a significant association between CD4 levels and NK cell counts, since patients with lower CD4 counts may not present lower NK cell counts.
Scully and Alter (2016) highlighted the critical role of natural killer (NK) cells in controlling viral infections, including HIV. Indeed, a reduction in NK cell counts may compromise the ability to mount an effective antiviral response, increasing vulnerability to infections and accelerating HIV progression [28].
The decline in NK cells associated with low CD4 counts is primarily linked to a deficiency in cytokines such as interleukin-15 (IL-15), which are essential for NK cell development, survival, and function [29]. Additionally, disruptions in signaling pathways, including the JAK-STAT pathway activated by IL-15, may further impair NK cell maintenance. Monitoring NK cell counts might be important for assessing the innate immune status in HIV patients and guiding therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing immune function and controlling disease progression [30].
8. Impact of T CD4 depletion on B cells and humoral immunity in HIV
Patients with lower CD4 counts had significantly lower B-cell counts. These findings indicate that lower CD4 counts may be associated with compromised B-cell populations, leading to a decline in humoral immunity.
Hu et al. (2015) emphasized that a reduction in B-cell counts in HIV-infected individuals is associated with increased susceptibility to infections and diminished vaccine efficacy [31]. The decline in B-cell counts may result from impaired signaling through CD40 and cytokine receptors such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-21 (IL-21), both of which are essential for B-cell activation, proliferation, and function [32]. Furthermore, disruptions in the PI3K-Akt and JAK-STAT signaling pathways, driven by these cytokines, exacerbate B-cell dysfunction, particularly in the context of low CD4 levels. Monitoring B-cell counts provides valuable prognostic information, as low levels correlate with higher rates of opportunistic infections and poor immunological recovery [33].
9. Erythrocyte decline and CD4 depletion in HIV: Anemia risks in HIV-infected patients
A significant association was found between erythrocyte counts and CD4 levels. This decreasing trend in erythrocyte levels alongside a decrease in CD4 counts may lead to anemia and other complications in advanced HIV infection patients.
Peng et al. (2022) reported that anemia is prevalent among HIV-infected individuals because of multiple factors, including chronic inflammation, opportunistic infections, and direct viral interference with erythropoiesis. Inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) play central roles by disrupting the bone marrow microenvironment, impairing erythropoiesis and reducing red blood cell production [34]. These cytokines exert their effects through signaling pathways such as the NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways, which mediate inflammation and inhibit erythroid progenitor cell survival and differentiation [35].
The activation of these pathways leads to increased expression of suppressive molecules such as hepcidin, which disrupts iron homeostasis, further contributing to anemia [36]. Monitoring erythrocyte levels and understanding the underlying signaling mechanisms are crucial for addressing anemia in HIV patients, enabling the development of targeted therapies to restore erythropoiesis and improve clinical outcomes.
10. Thrombocytopenia and T CD4 depletion in HIV: Effects on coagulation and hemorrhagic risks
In our series, patients with lower CD4 counts had significantly lower PLTs. This thrombocytopenia may represent an increased risk of coagulopathy in advanced HIV disease.
Nascimento and Tanaka (2012) reported that thrombocytopenia in HIV patients is multifactorial, often resulting from bone marrow suppression, splenic sequestration, and immune-mediated platelet destruction. In advanced HIV infection, the virus can disrupt megakaryocyte function in the bone marrow, impairing platelet production. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 can further inhibit megakaryocyte maturation and function, leading to reduced platelet counts [37]. These cytokines activate signaling pathways such as the JAK-STAT and NF-κB pathways, which contribute to the inflammatory response and suppress megakaryopoiesis. Furthermore, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway, known for its role in fibrosis and immune regulation, can also negatively affect megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet production by promoting the production of suppressive mediators and collagen in the bone marrow microenvironment [38].
Therefore, the evaluation of platelet counts during HIV infection is of particular importance, as thrombocytopenia can increase the risk of bleeding complications and serve as a marker of disease progression, serving as a supplementary tool for better management of complications related to low platelet counts and informing therapeutic decisions [39].
Study Limitations
This study has several limitations. This approach could benefit from the inclusion of additional immunological markers to increase the accuracy of the data. Moreover, the clinical information available for patients was limited, which may have impacted the comprehensiveness of the findings.