Molecular characterization of HIV-1 near-full-length proviral quasispecies in monocytes from patients across different virological responses.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Low-level viremia (LLV) in HIV infection, defined as detectable but low plasma viral load, is associated with an increased risk of virological failure (VF); however, the mechanisms underlying LLV remain unclear. Monocytes, as potential viral reservoirs, can migrate into tissues and differentiate into tissue-resident macrophage reservoirs, playing a critical role in viral dissemination and potentially driving persistent viremia.

Methods

This study aimed to analyze and compare the molecular characteristics of near-full-length HIV-1 proviral DNA quasispecies from monocytes in three distinct virological response groups: VF, LLV, and virological suppression (VS). Genetic diversity, drug resistance mutations (DRMs), and viral tropism were assessed.

Results

Of t

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12408515 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature