CD4/CD8 ratio is associated with structural reorganization of vaccine-induced immune responses in people living with HIV

By
Faith Jessica Paran
Mizue Saita
Rieko Oyama
Namiko Nomura
Kaori Saito
Abdullah Khasawneh
Pei Gao
Songling Li
Hendra Saputra Ismanto
Noriyo Nagata
Naoko Iwata
Yasushi Okazaki
Tadaki Suzuki
Yuki Uehara
Kazuhisa Takahashi
Daron M Standley
Yoko Tabe
Toshio Naito
June 1, 2026
0 min

Frontiers In Immunology

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between CD4/CD8 ratio and vaccine-induced immune responses in individuals living with HIV (PLWH). It highlights distinct immune states associated with different CD4/CD8 ratios.

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH) experience persistent immune activation and low-grade inflammation despite effective antiretroviral therapy. The CD4/CD8 ratio is a critical marker of immune health.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the source material.

Key Findings

Stratification by CD4/CD8 ratio revealed distinct immune states in PLWH.
Normal CD4/CD8 ratios showed focused transcriptional activation, while low ratios exhibited broad transcriptional dysregulation.
Low CD4/CD8 ratio group had increased monocyte-specific protein–protein interaction connectivity.
Clonal skewing and reduced clonotype diversity were observed in the low CD4/CD8 ratio group.
Vaccine-induced immune responses were influenced by network-level organization associated with CD4/CD8 ratio.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that the CD4/CD8 ratio may provide insights into the immune response dynamics following vaccination in PLWH. Clinicians should consider the implications of immune network organization when evaluating vaccine responses in this population.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the importance of understanding immune network dynamics in PLWH to better interpret vaccine responses and guide clinical decision-making.