Likewise, senescent (CD57+) or exhausted (PD1<sup>+</sup>) CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells were higher in asymptomatic HIV/Leish than in AIDS/VL or HIV groups.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Although asymptomatic HIV/Leish subjects had normal and similar CD4+ and CD8+ T cells counts, their CD8<sup>+</sup>T cells had increased activation, senescence, and exhaustion, which could contribute to risk of developing VL. Here, CD4 is linked to AIDS.