ReviewThe role of T cells in the development of cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients

•HIV-infected patients have a 1,5 to 2 fold higher risk of developing CVD.•Ongoing immune activation is seen in HIV-infected patients.•Aggravation of systemic and local inflammation are likely the cause of CVD in HIV.•Interventions decreasing T cell activation might lead to a lower incidence of CVD.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is highly prevalent in HIV-infected patients. Besides the classical cardiovascular risk factors, HIV related factors play a role, such as immune activation and treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The resulting T cell activation is regarded as one of the driving forces behind this accelerated atherogenesis. Interventions, such as early treatment and anti-inflammatory therapy, decreasing T cell activation might lead to a lower incidence of CVD in future HIV infected patients. This review specifically explores the role of T cells in the development of atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients.