The effect of HAART on humoral immune response in primary HIV-1 infected patients
Pastori, C.; Barassi, C.; Lillo, F.; Longhi, R.; Capiluppi, B.; Nozza, S.; Galli, A.; Uberti-Foppa, C.; Lazzarin, A.; Tambussi, G.; Lopalco, L.
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents 16(1): 9-17
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-974X PMID: 12003182 Document Number: 550893
The effect of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) on binding and neutralizing antibody responses to human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) during primary and chronic infection was investigated. Seven patients HAART treated during primary infection, six HAART treated during chronic infection and five patients treated only with ZVD (Zidovudine) were analysed. HAART inhibited the development of anti env antibodies during primary infection. Administering HAART during primary infection usually did not substantially affect the development of weak neutralizing antibody responses against autologous virus. However, we demonstrated that very early treatment, during seroconversion, induce in some cases, a strong neutralizing antibodies against autologous virus. These results may be relevant for understanding how HAART may elicit a strong protective responses and may be useful in developing new strategies designed to achieve a long term control of the HIV infection.