High Levels of Soluble HLA-G in Female Genital Tract Linked to HIV-1 Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Thibodeau Valérie, Lajoie Julie, Labbé Annie-Claude, Zannou Marcel D., Fowke Keith R., Alary Michel, Poudrier Johanne, Roger Michel
Primary Institution: Laboratoire d'immunogénétique, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Canada
Hypothesis
Is soluble HLA-G expression in the female genital tract associated with HIV-1 infection?
Conclusion
High levels of soluble HLA-G in the genital mucosa are independently associated with both HIV-1 infection and bacterial vaginosis.
Supporting Evidence
- HIV-1-infected CSWs had higher genital levels of sHLA-G compared to HIV-1-uninfected CSWs and non-CSWs.
- The presence of bacterial vaginosis was associated with higher genital levels of sHLA-G.
- Adjustment for significant variables showed sHLA-G expression remained associated with HIV-1 infection.
Takeaway
Women with HIV have more of a certain protein in their genital area, which might help the virus survive and spread.
Methodology
The study measured genital levels of soluble HLA-G in HIV-1-infected and uninfected female commercial sex workers and non-CSW women.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors such as gender, pregnancy, ART therapy, and HLA-G polymorphism were controlled for.
Limitations
The relatively small number of subjects analyzed in each group limited the power of the study.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 52 HIV-1-uninfected CSWs, 44 HIV-1-infected CSWs, and 71 HIV-1-uninfected non-CSW women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.009 for HIV-1-infected vs uninfected CSWs; P=0.0006 for HIV-1-infected vs non-CSWs.
Confidence Interval
95% CI=1.17–7.53 for HIV-1 infection association.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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