New CD8+ T Cell Response in Thai HIV-1 Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Buranapraditkun Supranee, Hempel Ursula, Pitakpolrat Patrawadee, Allgaier Rachel L., Thantivorasit Pattarawat, Lorenzen Sven-Iver, Sirivichayakul Sunee, Hildebrand William H., Altfeld Marcus, Brander Christian, Walker Bruce D., Phanuphak Praphan, Hansasuta Pokrath, Rowland-Jones Sarah L., Allen Todd M., Ruxrungtham Kiat
Primary Institution: Chulalongkorn Medical Research Center, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Hypothesis
What are the dominant CD8+ T cell responses in HIV-1 clade CRF01_AE infected individuals in Thailand?
Conclusion
The study identified a novel immunodominant CD8+ T cell epitope in HIV-1 Gag that is frequently targeted by the immune response in Thai individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 75% of Cw*0102+ve subjects targeted the identified epitope.
- The identified epitope is located in a highly conserved region of HIV-1 Gag.
- Viral escape from this epitope was frequently observed in Cw*0102+ve subjects.
Takeaway
Researchers found a part of the HIV virus that the immune system in Thai people can recognize and attack, which could help in making better vaccines.
Methodology
The study used an immunological screen with IFN-gamma ELISpot to characterize CD8+ T cell responses in 100 HIV-1 clade CRF01_AE infected subjects.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific population in Thailand, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
100 treatment-naive HIV-1 clade CRF01_AE infected Thai volunteers, median age 32, 47 females and 53 males.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=8.74*10−13
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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