Markedly, ATG16L1 rs6861(TT) genotyped individuals exhibit longer-lasting HIV-1 control by CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells as evidenced by: (i) revamped survival of the T-cell compartment with relatively higher levels of CD4+ T cells in both rs6861(TT) genotyped HIV-1-infected individuals and healthy blood donors, (ii) enrichment of naïve, antiviral Temra and regulatory T cell subsets, and (iii) increased proliferative capacity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, particularly CCR7+ cells, in response to both polyclonal and antigen-specific stimulation during chronic HIV-1 infection. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is HIV-1 infection.