The gift of a lifetime: analysis of HIV at autopsy

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• HIV incidence currently outpaces mortality, leading to a growing global prevalence.
• Understanding HIV-infected cell persistence during combination antiviral therapy (ART) is crucial for developing curative strategies.
• Identifying persistent reservoirs is a key challenge in eradicating HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anatomical locations of HIV-infected cells in individuals undergoing long-term ART.
• To gain insights into the mechanisms of HIV persistence during therapy.
• To identify potential reservoirs of HIV-infected cells that evade ART.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of HIV-infected cells from various anatomical compartments.
• Utilizing samples from a rapid autopsy program of individuals on long-term ART.
• Community collaboration to facilitate sample acquisition.

Main Results:

• Identification of potential anatomical locations where HIV-infected cells persist during ART.
• New insights into the characteristics of these persistent reservoirs.
• Understanding the distribution of HIV reservoirs across different body compartments.

Conclusions:

• The study provides critical new information on the anatomical sites of HIV reservoirs.
• Findings contribute to understanding HIV persistence during long-term combination antiviral therapy.
• This research may guide future strategies for HIV eradication and cure.