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Sex differences in HIV-1 persistence and the implications for a cure
1Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Global Women'S Health
|October 10, 2022
Summary
Biological sex impacts the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type-1 (HIV-1) reservoir and immune response. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective HIV-1 cures, especially for women disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Women, particularly adolescents and young women, are disproportionately affected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type-1 (HIV-1) pandemic.
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related illnesses are a leading cause of death in women of reproductive age globally.
- Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) suppresses viral replication but is not curative due to persistent viral reservoirs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of biological sex on the HIV-1 viral reservoir and immune responses.
- To discuss implications for developing HIV-1 curative strategies, focusing on the 'shock and kill' approach.
- To highlight knowledge gaps in sex-based differences in HIV-1 persistence and propose future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Mini-review of current scientific literature on biological sex, HIV-1 reservoirs, and immune responses.
- Analysis of existing data regarding sex-based differences in HIV-1 persistence.
- Discussion of the 'shock and kill' strategy in the context of sex-specific factors.
Main Results:
- Biological sex influences the characteristics of the HIV-1 viral reservoir and immune responses to infection.
- Women are underrepresented in studies of HIV-1 reservoirs and curative interventions.
- Significant gaps exist in understanding sex-based differences in HIV-1 persistence.
Conclusions:
- Addressing sex-based differences in HIV-1 reservoirs and immune responses is essential for developing effective and scalable curative strategies.
- Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps regarding sex-specific factors in HIV-1 persistence.
- Inclusion of diverse populations, particularly women, in research is critical for advancing HIV-1 cure development.
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