HIV-1 Exposure and Immune Response
Author Information
Author(s): Willberg Christian B., McConnell J. Jeff, Eriksson Emily M., Bragg Larry A., York Vanessa A., Liegler Teri J., Hecht Fredrick M., Grant Robert M., Nixon Douglas F.
Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco
Hypothesis
Does continued exposure to HIV-1 influence T cell responses in infected individuals?
Conclusion
Continued sexual exposure to HIV-1 is associated with increased T cell responses without evidence of super-infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Individuals with viremic partners had significantly higher T cell responses to HIV-1.
- The magnitude of T cell responses correlated with the level of sexual exposure.
- Responses were predominantly directed towards HIV-1 Pol proteins rather than Gag.
- Longitudinally, T cell responses decreased with reduced exposure.
- No evidence of systemic super-infection was found in any participants.
Takeaway
If someone with HIV has sex with another person who also has HIV, their immune system can get stronger against the virus without getting a new infection.
Methodology
T cell responses were measured using IFN-γ enzyme linked immuno-spot assay and cytokine flow cytometry in HIV-1 infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported sexual exposure data.
Limitations
The study did not assess localized super-infections or the impact of other factors on T cell responses.
Participant Demographics
All participants were HIV-1 positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in long-term partnerships.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0274
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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