Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) circulating immune complexes in infected children

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Circulating immune complexes (CIC) are implicated in various autoimmune and infectious diseases.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can trigger immune responses, but the role of CIC in pediatric HIV is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and significance of HIV antigens within CIC (HIV-Ag-CIC) in children with HIV type 1 (HIV-1) infection.
• To determine the correlation between HIV-Ag-CIC levels and clinical disease severity, as well as free HIV antigen levels.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of CIC for the presence of specific HIV antigens (p17, p24, gp120) in 55 children with vertically acquired HIV-1 infection.
• Comparison of HIV-Ag-CIC levels with clinical data, including disease severity and survival rates.

Main Results:

• Elevated CIC were detected in 85% of patients, with HIV-Ag-CIC present in 33 (60%) of them.
• p17 antigen was found in 60% of HIV-Ag-CIC, p24 in 50%, and gp120 in 16%.
• High HIV-Ag-CIC levels correlated with a more severe clinical course, and 90% of patients with markedly elevated levels died within 6-24 months. HIV-Ag-CIC were detected even when free HIV antigens were undetectable.

Conclusions:

• HIV-Ag-CIC are prevalent in children with HIV-1 infection and are associated with disease severity and poor prognosis.
• Monitoring HIV-Ag-CIC may offer a valuable tool for early HIV detection and disease outcome assessment in pediatric populations.
• The presence of HIV-Ag-CIC, particularly in neonates and infants, highlights their potential role in early-stage HIV pathogenesis and monitoring.