A CRITICAL REVIEW OF CD8 FUNCTIONALITY IN HIV DEFENSE: UNRAVELING THE COMPLEXITIES

The immune response against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a complex interplay between various components of the immune system, with CD8+ T-cells occupying a central role in viral control. This review critically examines the functionality of CD8+ T-cells in HIV defense, highlighting their importance in controlling viral replication, the evasion strategies employed by HIV, and the challenges encountered in harnessing CD8-mediated immunity for therapeutic purposes. We discuss the heterogeneity of CD8+ T-cell responses, the mechanisms of viral escape, and the phenomenon of CD8+ T-cell exhaustion. Additionally, recent advancements and controversies in the field are addressed, along with future perspectives on enhancing CD8-mediated immunity as a therapeutic strategy against HIV. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding CD8+ T-cell functionality in HIV defense, paving the way for further research and therapeutic developments in the fight against HIV/AIDS.