In any case, expansion of Vα7.2+CD161- CD8+ T cells is an intriguing possibility worthy of further study, particularly because activated memory CD8+ T cells expand in untreated HIV infection due to IL-15 signals [43], remain at elevated numbers for years after ART initiation, particularly in cytomegalovirus-seropositive subjects [47], and could contribute to non-AIDS-associated co-morbidities such as cardiovascular disease [48]. This evidence concerns the gene IL15 and AIDS.