The presence of anti-Tat antibodies is predictive of long-term nonprogression to AIDS or severe immunodeficiency: findings in a cohort of HIV-1 seroconverters

J Infect Dis. 2005 Apr 15;191(8):1321-4. doi: 10.1086/428909. Epub 2005 Mar 14.

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 Tat protein plays a key role in the life cycle of the virus and in pathogenesis and is highly conserved among HIV subtypes. On the basis of this and of safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy findings in monkeys, Tat is being tested as a vaccine in phase 1 trials. Here, we evaluated the incidence and risk of progression to advanced HIV disease by anti-Tat serostatus in a cohort of 252 HIV-1 seroconverters. The risk of progression was lower in the anti-Tat-positive subjects than in the anti-Tat-negative subjects. Progression was faster in the persistently anti-Tat-negative subjects than in the transiently anti-Tat-positive subjects, and no progression was observed in the persistently anti-Tat-positive subjects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Cohort Studies
  • Disease Progression
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Female
  • Gene Products, tat / immunology*
  • HIV Antibodies / immunology*
  • HIV Long-Term Survivors*
  • HIV Seropositivity / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Survival Analysis
  • Time Factors
  • tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Substances

  • Gene Products, tat
  • HIV Antibodies
  • tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus