Isolation and characterization of replication-competent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 from a subset of elite suppressors.

ABSTRACT: Elite suppressors (ES) are untreated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals who control viremia to levels below the limit of detection of current assays. The mechanisms involved in this control have not been fully elucidated. Several studies have demonstrated that some ES are infected with defective viruses, but it remains unclear whether others are infected with replication-competent HIV-1. To answer this question, we used a sensitive coculture assay in an attempt to isolate replication-competent virus from a cohort of 10 ES. We successfully cultured six replication-competent isolates from 4 of the 10 ES. The frequency of latently infected cells in these patients was more than a log lower than that seen in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy with und

SUBMITTER: Blankson JN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1865922 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature