Mechanisms of HIV non-progression; robust and sustained CD4+ T-cell proliferative responses to p24 antigen correlate with control of viraemia and lack of disease progression after long-term transfusion-acquired HIV-1 infection
2008

Mechanisms of HIV Non-Progression

Sample size: 13 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wayne B. Dyer, John J. Zaunders, Fang Fang Yuan, Bin Wang, Jennifer C. Learmont, Andrew F. Geczy, Nitin K. Saksena, Dale A. McPhee, Paul R. Gorry, John S. Sullivan

Primary Institution: Australian Red Cross Blood Service

Hypothesis

What mechanisms differentiate delayed progressors from long-term non-progressors in HIV-infected individuals?

Conclusion

The study found that a decline in p24-specific T cell proliferative responses is associated with loss of non-progressor status and disease progression.

Supporting Evidence

  • 12 of 13 subjects had at least one host genetic factor associated with slow progression.
  • A stable p24-specific proliferative response was associated with control of viraemia.
  • Strong Gag-dominant CTL responses were identified in most LTNP.

Takeaway

Some people with HIV can stay healthy for a long time without treatment, and this study looked at what helps them stay that way.

Methodology

The study followed a cohort of long-term non-progressors and analyzed their immune responses and viral loads over time.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the small number of participants and the specific nature of the cohort.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and focused on a specific cohort of transfusion-acquired HIV patients.

Participant Demographics

Participants were long-term non-progressors with transfusion-acquired HIV, primarily from Australia.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0047

Statistical Significance

p = 0.0047

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1742-4690-5-112

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