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Circulating cell-free DNA as a biomarker for immune function and disease progression in HIV-infected patients: a

Lu Cheng1, Haokun Gao2, Meixin Fang3

  • 1Clinical Laboratory of Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310007, China.

European Journal of Medical Research
|February 3, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) levels correlate with immune dysfunction in HIV-1 patients. This biomarker shows potential for monitoring immune status and disease progression in individuals with HIV-1.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection leads to immune deficiency, primarily through CD4+ T-cell depletion.
  • Monitoring immune function and disease progression is crucial for managing HIV-1.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) as a potential biomarker for immune status and disease progression in HIV-1-infected individuals.
  • To assess the relationship between ccfDNA levels and immunological/virological parameters in HIV-1 patients.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 79 HIV-1 patients on antiretroviral therapy and 35 controls.
  • Measurement of ccfDNA levels, CD4+ T-cell counts, immune activation/apoptosis markers, and viral load.
  • Correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed.

Main Results:

  • ccfDNA showed a negative correlation with CD4+ T-cell counts and a positive correlation with viral load.
  • ccfDNA levels were significantly associated with markers of T-cell immune activation and apoptosis.
  • ROC analysis indicated ccfDNA's potential as a complementary biomarker for monitoring HIV-1 patients, with an area under the curve of 0.799.

Conclusions:

  • ccfDNA levels are closely linked to immune dysfunction in HIV-1-infected individuals.
  • ccfDNA may serve as a valuable complementary biomarker for monitoring immune status and disease progression in HIV-1 management.
Abstract

Keywords:
Antiretroviral therapyCirculating cell-free DNAHIV-1 infectionImmune activationT-cell apoptosis

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