The Rockefeller University

HIV-1 RNA Plasma Levels and HIV-1 Integration Sites in HIV-1 Infected Subjects

Purpose

HIV-1 integrates into host cellular DNA and can persist in a latent state. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) might alter HIV-1 integration site selection. Current antiretroviral regimens are effective in lowering circulating HIV-1 RNA levels to less than 20 copies/ml but in approximately 50% of individuals persistent low-level viremia can be detected despite years of suppressive ART. Moreover as anti-HIV-1 immune responses develop during the course of infection HIV-1 strains mutate to escape both humoral and cellular immune responses. style=>This study aims at evaluating circulating HIV-1 RNA levels by a single copy assay as well as characterize the HIV latent reservoir including quantification of infected cells and analyzing HIV-1 integration patterns of untreated and ART-treated participants. We will also evaluate the presence of cell-free HIV-1 DNA in plasma from people living with HIV which can serve as a biomarker of HIV-1-induced cell death. Lastly the study also aims at evaluating the sensitivity of viral strains to anti-HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies.