HIV antibody characterization as a method to quantify reservoir size during curative interventions
Peter D Burbelo1, Ahmad Bayat, Craig S Rhodes
1Clinical Dental Research Core, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|November 30, 2013
Summary
A cured human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patient showed no antibodies against most HIV proteins post-transplant. Comprehensive antibody profiling may aid in monitoring HIV cure interventions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a global health challenge.
- Stem cell transplantation, particularly with CCR5-deficient cells, has shown potential for HIV cure.
- Understanding the host immune response, specifically antibody profiles, is crucial for evaluating cure efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively profile humoral immune responses in an HIV-infected adult cured by CCR5 stem cell transplant.
- To compare antibody levels against various HIV proteins in the cured individual with those in noncontrollers, elite controllers, and treated individuals.
- To assess the utility of comprehensive HIV antibody profiling for monitoring curative interventions.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative humoral profiling of blood samples from an HIV-infected adult post-CCR5 stem cell transplant.
- Antibody detection against specific HIV proteins: p24, matrix, nucleocapsid, integrase, protease, gp120, reverse transcriptase, tat, and gp41.
- Comparison of antibody profiles with data from noncontrollers, elite controllers, and antiretroviral-treated HIV subjects.
Main Results:
- The cured HIV patient exhibited no detectable antibodies against p24, matrix, nucleocapsid, integrase, protease, and gp120.
- Low levels of antibodies against reverse transcriptase, tat, and gp41 were observed in the cured individual.
- Most noncontrollers, elite controllers, and treated subjects maintained high, stable antibody levels against HIV proteins, with a rare subset of controllers showing low antibody levels against specific proteins.
Conclusions:
- Successful HIV cure via CCR5 stem cell transplant is associated with a distinct lack of antibodies against most HIV proteins.
- Persistent antibody levels vary across different HIV control groups.
- Comprehensive HIV antibody profiling offers a potential biomarker for monitoring the success of HIV curative strategies.
