B Cell Depletion in HIV-1 Subtype A Infected Ugandan Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Oballah Peter, Flach Britta, Eller Leigh A., Eller Michael A., Ouma Benson, de Souza Mark, Kibuuka Hannah N., Wabwire-Mangen Fred, Brown Bruce K., Michael Nelson L., Robb Merlin L., Montefiori David, Polonis Victoria R.
Primary Institution: Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
Hypothesis
To better understand the nature of B cell dysfunctions in subjects infected with HIV-1 subtype A.
Conclusion
The study found significant B cell depletion in HIV-1 subtype A infected Ugandan adults, which does not correlate with a decrease in functional antibodies.
Supporting Evidence
- B cell absolute counts were significantly lower in HIV-1+ patients compared to community matched negative controls.
- HIV-1-infected patients displayed variable functional and binding antibody titers.
- B cell absolute counts correlated inversely with neutralizing antibody titers against subtype A and CRF02_AG viruses.
- A positive correlation was observed between subtype A gp120 binding antibody titers and neutralization breadth.
Takeaway
People with HIV-1 subtype A have fewer B cells, but that doesn't mean they can't make antibodies to fight the virus.
Methodology
The study analyzed blood samples from 50 treatment-naïve Ugandan patients infected with HIV-1 subtype A and compared their B cell counts and antibody responses to HIV-negative controls.
Limitations
The study only measured CD19+ B cells and did not perform additional phenotypic characterization of specific B cell sub-populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 15–49 years, treatment-naïve, and from a rural cohort in Uganda.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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