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Herpes zoster (HZ) results from reactivation of a latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection. Clinical manifestations are more common and possibly severe in immunodepressed patients, such as cancer patients. Indeed, HZ can even lead to life-threatening complications. We report the case of an atypical presentation of HZ in an advanced urothelial cancer patient, presenting with long prodromal symptoms and late vesicular eruption. Given the atypical presentation of HZ reactivation among some immunocompromised patients, this case emphasizes the need of clinical suspicion for HZ as differential diagnosis. Furthermore, clinician awareness of prevention of HZ with the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in immunodepressed individuals is also critical to minimize the risk of disease activation and associated morbidity in such patients.

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.