Limits on Replenishment of the Resting CD4+ T Cell Reservoir for HIV in Patients on HAART
Author Information
Author(s): Sedaghat Ahmad R, Siliciano Janet D, Brennan Timothy P, Wilke Claus O, Siliciano Robert F
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the rate of replenishment of the latent CD4+ T cell reservoir in HIV patients on HAART?
Conclusion
The study suggests that the stability of the latent reservoir is unlikely to arise from ongoing viral replication during HAART.
Supporting Evidence
- The maximum daily inflow rate of new cells into the latent reservoir is estimated to be very small, likely around 70 cells per day.
- Most maximum inflow calculations represent only 0.01%–0.1% of the total latent reservoir size.
- HAART significantly reduces the flow of new cells into the latent reservoir compared to pre-HAART levels.
Takeaway
HIV patients on treatment have a hidden pool of infected cells that doesn't get replenished much, making it hard to get rid of the virus completely.
Methodology
The study used a mathematical model to analyze the dynamics of the latent reservoir and the inflow of new cells due to viral replication.
Limitations
The study's conclusions are based on a small sample size and assumptions about the nature of the predominant plasma clone.
Participant Demographics
Asymptomatic HIV-1-infected adults on stable HAART for at least 6 months.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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