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Neutralization escape in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected long-term nonprogressors
A P Bradney1, S Scheer, J M Crawford
1Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|April 7, 1999
Summary
Neutralization-escape variants of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) periodically emerge in long-term nonprogressors. These variants evade the immune system
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Long-term nonprogressors (LTNP) maintain low viral loads and remain asymptomatic for years without treatment.
- Understanding the immune evasion mechanisms in LTNP is crucial for HIV-1 vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emergence of neutralization-escape variants in HIV-1 infected individuals with persistent low viral loads.
- To characterize the interaction between HIV-1 variants and autologous neutralizing antibodies over time.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of HIV-1 virus from three LTNP at multiple time points.
- Assessment of virus neutralization sensitivity using sequential autologous serum samples.
- Analysis of strain-specific neutralizing antibody titers and durability.
Main Results:
- HIV-1 isolates from LTNP demonstrated increasing resistance to neutralization by their own sequential serum samples.
- Later viral isolates were less susceptible to neutralization by earlier autologous sera.
- Strain-specific neutralizing antibodies persisted for over 4 years without significant titer decline.
Conclusions:
- Neutralization-escape variants of HIV-1 arise periodically in long-term nonprogressors.
- This immune escape mechanism contributes to viral persistence in LTNP.
- Findings have implications for understanding HIV-1 evolution and potential therapeutic strategies.