Genetic Characterization of HIV-1 Gene from Virologically Controlled Aging Individuals with HIV on Long-Term Antiretroviral Therapy.

Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) that reduces the viral load to undetectable levels and improve CD4 T cell counts, viral eradication has not been achieved due to HIV-1 persistence in resting CD4 T-cells. We, therefore, characterized the gene, which is essential for HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis, from 20 virologically controlled aging individuals with HIV (HIV) on long-term ART and improved CD4 T-cell counts, with a particular focus on older individuals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell genomic DNA from HIV were used to amplify gene by polymerase chain reaction followed by nucleotide sequencing and analysis.

Genetic Analysis of HIV-1 Sequences from HIV-Infected Older Patients on Long-Term Antiretroviral Therapy.

Background: Many HIV-infected individuals have achieved undetectable viral load and increased CD4 T cell counts due to the success of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). However, HIV persists in resting T cells, monocytes/macrophages and other quiescent cells. Furthermore, the HIV- 1 vpr accessory gene may play an important role in the persistence of HIV in these infected patients.