Limited Sex-Based Differences in Viral Outcomes of ART-Treated SIV/SHIV Infection

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Primate Models

Background:

• Lentiviral infections in rhesus macaques are crucial models for studying HIV persistence.
• Understanding factors influencing viral reservoirs is key to developing HIV cure strategies.
• The impact of sex on viral reservoirs in this model remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential sex-based differences in viral measurements within rhesus macaque models during antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• To analyze SIV/SHIV-DNA levels in blood and lymph node CD4+ T-cells across different sexes and age groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from 19 studies involving rhesus macaques at Emory Primate Center.
• Quantification of total and intact SIV/SHIV-DNA in CD4+ T-cells from blood and lymph nodes.
• Statistical analysis to identify differences based on sex and age.

Main Results:

• No significant overall sex differences were observed in total and intact SIV/SHIV-DNA levels in blood and lymph node CD4+ T-cells.
• Subgroup analysis of SIV-infected adult macaques indicated higher reservoir levels in females compared to males.
• Age (adult vs. infant) was identified as a significant factor influencing all studied viral outcomes.

Conclusions:

• While overall sex differences were not apparent, specific subgroups like adult female macaques may harbor distinct viral reservoir characteristics.
• Age is a critical determinant of viral persistence and reservoir size in lentiviral macaque models.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the nuanced effects of sex on HIV persistence and potential cure interventions.