CD8A and endothelial dysfunction: The positive association between HIV copy number and the percent of CD8+ cells and CD68+ cells within coronary arteries suggests a role for HIV persistence with coronary artery inflammation and is consistent with previous studies.40 A study by Hsue et al. found that PLWH have higher levels of inflammatory markers and endothelial dysfunction, which were associated with an increased risk of CVD in PLWH.4 Digital spatial profiling of immune-related proteins in coronary plaques by HIV status revealed differential expression of several proteins.