Defective proviruses significantly impact viral transcription and immune activation in men and women with HIV-1 subtype C in rural South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The main obstacle to achieving an HIV-1 cure is the proviral reservoir. To promote equity in HIV cure strategies, it is crucial to study the viral reservoir of the predominant HIV-1 subtype C in both women and men. Therefore, we investigated the dynamics of the (intact) viral reservoir in relation to plasma viral load (VL), CD4⁺ T cell count, and immune activation before and during 96 weeks of successful antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

Eighty-two participants (62% female) newly initiating ART in a rural clinic in South Africa were included in the study. Blood samples were collected at baseline, week 48, and week 96, and CD4 count was determined. Plasma was used for VL and immune marker analyses, while isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells

SUBMITTER: Buchholtz NVEJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11628515 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature