Viruses, Vol. 16, Pages 182: Dynamics of Low-Level Viremia and Immune Activation after Switching to a Darunavir-Based Regimen

Viruses, Vol. 16, Pages 182: Dynamics of Low-Level Viremia and Immune Activation after Switching to a Darunavir-Based Regimen
Viruses doi: 10.3390/v16020182
Authors:
Arjen J. Stam
Ninée V. E. J. Buchholtz
Wouter F. W. Bierman
Reinout van Crevel
Andy I. M. Hoepelman
Mark A. A. Claassen
Heidi S. M. Ammerlaan
Berend J. van Welzen
Marjo E. E. van Kasteren
Steven F. L. van Lelyveld
Dorien de Jong
Kiki Tesselaar
Matthijs van Luin
Monique Nijhuis
Annemarie M. J. Wensing
LOWERIT Study Team

There is an ongoing debate regarding whether low-level viremia (LLV), in particular persistent LLV, during HIV treatment with optimal adherence originates from low-level viral replication, viral production, or both. We performed an observational study in 30 individuals with LLV who switched to a boosted darunavir (DRV)-based therapy. In-depth virological analyses were used to characterize the viral population and the (activity) of the viral reservoir. Immune activation was examined using cell-bound and soluble markers. The primary outcome was defined as the effect on HIV-RNA and was categorized by responders (<50 cp/mL) or non-responders (>50 cp/mL). At week 24, 53% of the individuals were considered responders, 40% non-responders, and 7% could not be assigned. Sequencing showed no evolution or selection of drug resistance in the non-responders. Production of defective virus with mutations in either the protease (D25N) or RT active site ...

Source: Viruses - January 25, 2024 Category: Virology Authors: Arjen J. Stam Nin ée V. E. J. Buchholtz Wouter F. W. Bierman Reinout van Crevel Andy I. M. Hoepelman Mark A. A. Claassen Heidi S. M. Ammerlaan Berend J. van Welzen Marjo E. E. van Kasteren Steven F. L. van Lelyveld Dorien de Jong Kiki Tesselaar Matthijs Tags: Article Source Type: research