Background
CD4 cell depletion is central to HIV pathogenesis. However, CD4 cells present diverse lineages and the relative impact of HIV on Th17 and regulatory T cell (Treg) subsets remains unclear. CD161+ CD4 cells are a recently identified, gut-homing population with Th17 precursor potential. The balance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and immunoregulatory Tregs may be critical in HIV pathogenesis. This study addressed changes in CD161+, Th17 and Treg subsets during untreated HIV infection.