[Advances in the Role of Stem Memory T Cells in HIV-1 Infection].

Abstract

Stem memory T cells represent the earliest and long-lasting memory T cells. They display stem cell-like properties of self-renewal and multipotency. Tscm cells have shown their antitumor effect; the role of Tscm cells has sparked interest in anti-HIV fields recently. In this review, we will introduce the characteristics of Tscm cells, the importance of CD4(+) Tscm cells in HIV-1latent reservoir, and the antiviral activity of CD8(+) Tscm cells. Understanding the properties of Tscm cells and their potential role in antiHIV-1,will help us to explore the possibility of Tscm to be used as, or targeted by, vaccines or immunotherapies for HIV-1treatment,thereby providing new strategies for prevention, control and functional cure of HIV-1.