CD8A and atherosclerosis: Chronic inflammation due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) has also been linked to accelerated atherosclerosis.11,12 Most PLWH are co-infected with CMV and have inflated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that control CMV replication.11,12 A higher percentage of CMV-specific CD8+ T cells in PLWH has been associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness.