Immune Modulation of HIV-1 Reservoir Size in Early-Treated Neonates

J Infect Dis. 2023 Aug 11;228(3):281-286. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiad173.

Abstract

Immune mechanisms that modulate human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) reservoir size in neonates are poorly understood. Using samples from neonates who initiated antiretroviral therapy shortly after birth, we demonstrate that interleukin-8-secreting CD4 T cells, which are selectively expanded in early infancy, are more resistant to HIV-1 infection and inversely correlated with the frequency of intact proviruses at birth. Moreover, newborns with HIV-1 infection displayed a distinct B-cell profile at birth, with reduction of memory B cells and expansion of plasmablasts and transitional B cells; however, B-cell immune perturbations were unrelated to HIV-1 reservoir size and normalized after initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02369406.

Keywords: HIV reservoir; immune responses; pediatric HIV-1 infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
  • HIV Infections*
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Proviruses
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02369406