Poster Exhibition - International AIDS Society

we need to comprehensively characterize all cell types that may contribute to it, as
each cell type may have unique mechanisms of latency and persistence.
In poster 7, Zink et al., identify macrophages as another potential cell type that may
be contributing to the HIV reservoir within the CNS. In poster 8, Ruel et al., studied
pediatric cART cases in Uganda and identified that the HIV reservoir is most
pronounced in naïve CD4+ T-cells and is predominantly established by CXCR4-tropic
virus. This work highlights important considerations for strategies aimed at virus
eradication because of the differences that may exist between viral reservoirs in
adults and children. Finally, in poster 9, Donahue et al., proposed superinfection of
latently infected cells as a potential mechanism for the emergence of multi-drug
resistant virus.
3. Determine the origins of immune activation and inflammation in the presence of
ART and their consequences for HIV persistence
It’s well known that chronic immune activation and inflammation caused by HIV
plays a central role in premature ageing, bone disease, heart disease and several
other debilitating conditions. However, their role in the establishment and
maintenance of viral reservoirs is less well understood. In posters 10-14, the authors
identify several new immune mediators that may play a key role in HIV persistence.
In poster 11, Naicker et al., propose polymorphisms in IL-10 as a potential mediator
of altered cytokine production that may act as a driver of chronic HIV infection and
HIV persistence. In poster 13, Reece et al., studied an SIV model confirming that viral
reservoirs are established early and highlighting the need for early interventions to
restrict their expansion. Additionally, they suggested that eliminating cells while
under high turnover would achieve the greatest impact in reducing viral reservoirs.
4. Determine host and immune mechanisms that control infection but allow viral
persistence
Numerous studies have investigated the correlates of protection and viral control
against HIV, highlighting strong CTL responses and broad neutralizing antibodies.
However, their relationship to viral persistence remains to be determined. In posters
15-16, the authors attempt to dissect this relationship and in the process uncover
some interesting findings. In poster 16, Conceicao et al., undertook genome wide
expression studies of patients pre- and post-cART and compared these against a
panel of long-term non-progressors (LTNP). Their findings suggest that LTNP have a
block in apoptosis pathways which in turn favors strong immune responses that
assists in controlling viremia.
5. Study, compare and validate assays to measure persistent infection
Poster 17 studied viral replication in human M1-MDM (monocyte-derived
macrophage). They showed a transient but robust restriction of HIV replication in
those cells compared to M2-MDM. In Poster 18 the role of Vacc-4x, a p24 peptidebased
HIV therapeutic vaccine, was evaluated in 135 patients. The authors showed