[8] Moreover, activated T cells will also be easily targeted by the virus, thus contributing to progressive infection. Indeed, lower numbers of Treg have been associated with higher levels of immune activation in HIV-1 infection. [6], [27] Treg therefore seem to be maintaining a balance between persistent infection and decreased immune activation. As the CD4+ T cell population becomes depleted later in the disease, untreated patients would experience both increased immunosuppression and immune activation due to the eventual Treg depletion. This evidence concerns the gene CD4 and infection.