Association between low levels of HIV-1 DNA and HLA class I molecules in chronic HIV-1 infection

by Camilla Muccini, Monica Guffanti, Vincenzo Spagnuolo, Massimo Cernuschi, Laura Galli, Alba Bigoloni, Andrea Galli, Andrea Poli, Sara Racca, Antonella Castagna

HLA-B27 and -B57 were found in people with low levels of HIV-1 DNA, suggesting that HLA class I molecules may influence the size of HIV-1 reservoir. Aim of the study was to explore the association between HLA class I molecules and HIV-1 DNA in people with chronic HIV-1 infection.

Post-hoc analysis of the APACHE trial, on adults with chronic HIV-1 infection, prolonged suppressive antiretroviral therapy and good immunological profile. HIV-1 DNA was quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs); HLA-A, -B and -C were tested on genomic DNA. Crude odds ratios (OR) with their respective 95% Wald confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by univariable logistic regression for HLAs with a p-value <0.10.

We found 78 and 18 patients with HIV-1 DNA ≥100 copies/10⁶PBMCs and with HIV-1 DNA <100 copies/10⁶PBMCs, respectively. HLA-A24 was present in 21 (29.6%) participants among subjects with HIV-1 DNA ≥100 copies/10⁶PBMCs and 1 (5.9%) among those with HIV-1 DNA <100 copies/10⁶PBMCs (OR = 5.67, 95%CI = 0.79–46.03; p = 0.105); HLA-B39 was present in 1 (1.4%) with HIV-1 DNA ≥100 copies/10⁶PBMCs and in 3 (17.6%) with HIV-1 DNA <100 copies/10⁶PBMCs (OR = 13.71, 95%CI = 1.33–141.77; p = 0.028) and HLA-B55 in 3 (4.2%) and 3 (17.6%), respectively (OR = 4.43, 95%CI = 0.81–24.29; p = 0.087). All the three patients with HLA-B39 and HIV-1 DNA <100 copies/10⁶PBMCs did not have HLA-A24.

In patients with HIV-1 infection who maintained a good virological and immunological profile, HLA-B39 and -B55 may be associated with lower levels of HIV-1 DNA.