CD8A and infection: HIV mainly reduces CD4+ T-cells, and these cells are crucial in providing protection by maintaining antibody production and fostering WNV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses.11 CD8+ T-cells aid in clearing infection and preventing viral persistence in tissues, in this case, the central nervous system (CNS).12 This patient’s deterioration with WNV seemed to be related to his HIV T-cell deficiency.