The HIV-1 Tat protein affects human CD4+ T cell programming and activation, and favors the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells

HIV infection is characterized by several immune dysfunctions, such as chronic activation of the immune system, premature ageing and loss of CD4 T cell, in particular within the naïve compartment. The Tat protein of HIV is released extracellularly and enters neighboring cells affecting their functionality, for instance impacting on CD8 T cell programs and activity. As the presence and/or induction of anti-Tat immune responses is associated with reduced T cell dysfunctions and CD4 T cell loss, we investigated whether Tat impacts human resting or activated CD4 T cells