Viral suppression of multiple escape mutants by CD8+ T cell responses in an HIV-1 infected elite suppressor
Author Information
Author(s): O'Connell Karen A, Hegarty Robert W, Siliciano Robert F, Blankson Joel N
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can CD8+ T cell responses suppress viral replication of multiple escape variants in an elite suppressor of HIV-1?
Conclusion
The study found that the elite suppressor developed strong CD8+ T cell responses that effectively suppressed viral replication of multiple escape variants.
Supporting Evidence
- Elite suppressors can maintain undetectable viral loads without treatment.
- The patient developed seven distinct escape variants over five years.
- CD8+ T cells from the patient showed strong responses to the variants.
Takeaway
This study shows that a person with HIV who can control the virus without medication has special immune cells that can fight off different versions of the virus.
Methodology
The study involved analyzing the CD8+ T cell responses to various HIV-1 variants in an elite suppressor over a five-year period.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on one elite suppressor who is HIV-1 infected and HLA-B*57 positive.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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