2B4+ CD8+ T cells play an inhibitory role against constrained HIV epitopes

► 2B4+ CD8+ T cells stimulated with HIV peptides show reduced IFN-γ secretion. ► Cytolytic activity of 2B4+ CD8+ T cells is inhibited by HIV peptide stimulation. ► SAP, an adaptor molecule is downregulated in HIV peptide stimulated 2B4+ CD8+ T cells. ► May be the reason for inability of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes to control HIV replication and disease progression.