ANALYSIS OF HOST AND VIRAL FACTORS IN THE ELITE SUPPRESSION OF HIV-1 INFECTION

Buckheit, Robert Walter

Publisher

Johns Hopkins University

Abstract

HIV-1 infection is typically characterized by robust viral replication and progressive CD4+ T cell depletion in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. Some unique individuals, termed elite suppressors (ES) have the remarkable capacity to restrict viral replication below the limit of detection of standard clinical testing (<50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL of plasma). Interestingly, while ongoing replication occurs in ES, the number of latently infected cells has been shown to be reduced compared to chronic progressors. The mechanisms by which these individuals control viral replication are unknown, but a better understanding of both the viral and host factors that contribute to this disease course could aid in the development of a preventative HIV-1 ...