HIV-1-specific immune responses in subjects who temporarily contain virus replication after discontinuation of highly active antiretroviral therapy

J Clin Invest. 1999 Sep;104(6):R13-8. doi: 10.1172/JCI7371.

Abstract

Therapeutic intervention with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can lead to suppression of HIV-1 plasma viremia to undetectable levels for 3 or more years. However, adherence to complex drug regimens can prove problematic, and subjects may temporarily discontinue HAART for variable periods. We studied 6 HIV-1-infected individuals who stopped therapy. Off HAART, levels of viremia were suppressed to fewer than 500 copies/mL in 2 subjects for more than 12 and more than 24 months, respectively, and in 1 subject for 4 months on 1 occasion. Three subjects failed to contain plasma viremia. Broad and strong HIV-1-specific immune responses were detected in subjects with prolonged suppression of viral replication. This longitudinal study suggests that containment of HIV-1 replication to low or undetectable levels after discontinuation of HAART is associated with strong virus-specific immune responses. Boosting of HIV-1-specific immune responses should be considered as an adjunctive treatment strategy for HIV-1-infected individuals on HAART.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / virology
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • HIV Core Protein p24 / immunology
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • Viremia / drug therapy
  • Viremia / immunology
  • Virus Replication*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • HIV Core Protein p24