BackgroundA rare phenotype of clinical non-progressors to AIDS is not well understood and the new protocol for universal treatment, may block the understanding of viral control thus it is crucial to define this controversial group.MethodsA cohort of 30 persons followed a criteria for viremia control groups 1 (VC1; n = 2) and 2 (VC2; n = 7) and non-viral controllers (NC; n = 21) including number of years of diagnosis, LTCD4+, LTCD8+ counts, plasma viral load and the absence of ART; 241 uninfected control persons were matched to age and sex. Infected persons were regularly examined and submitted to two or three annual laboratory measurements. Polymorphisms and allele frequencies of CCR5Δ32 and SDF1–3’A were detected in the genomic DNA. Plasma levels of cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17 and IFN-y) were measured.ResultsThe group investigated is originated from a miscigenetic population and demographic and social characteristics were not significantly relevant. LTCD4+ median values were higher among VC than NC, but significantly lower than uninfected controls. Evolution of LTCD4+ and LTCD8+ counts, showed a slight increase of LTCD4+ among VC, but a significant decrease in the NC. The percentage of annual change in LTCD4+ was also significantly different between the groups. LTCD4+/LTCD8+ ratio was inverted but not significant among the VC, thus the ratio may be a useful biomarker for the VC. A clear signature indicated a change from Th1 to Th2 cytokine profiles from VC to NC, respectively.ConclusionsThe knowledge of viral controllers characteristics in different population groups is important to define a strict universal definition for the sake of learning about the pathogenesis of HIV-1. Data on LTCD4+ seems to be stable and repetitive from published data, but the LTCD8+ response and the significance of LTCD4+/LTCD8+ ratio values are in need to further exploration as biomarkers. The change from Th1 to Th2 cytokine profile may help to design and adjust specific treatment protocols for the group.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection is characterized by high viral replication and a decrease in CD4 + T cells (CD4 + TC), resulting in AIDS, which can lead to death. In elite controllers and viremia controllers, viral replication is naturally controlled, with maintenance of CD4 + TC levels without the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: The aim of the present study was to describe virological and immunological risk factors among HIV-1infected individuals according to characteristics of progression to AIDS. The sample included 30 treatment-naive patients classified into three groups based on infection duration (> 6 years), CD4 + TC count and viral load: (i) 2 elite controllers (ECs), (ii) 7 viremia controllers (VCs) and (iii) 21 nonviremia controllers (NVCs). Nested PCR was employed to amplify the virus genome, which was later sequenced using the Ion PGM platform for subtyping and analysis of immune escape mutations. Results: Viral samples were classified as HIV-1 subtypes B and F. Greater selection pressure on mutations was observed in the group of viremia controllers, with a higher frequency of immunological escape mutations in the genes investigated, including two new mutations in gag. The viral sequences of viremia controllers and nonviremia controllers did not differ significantly regarding the presence of immune escape mutations. Conclusion: The results suggest that progression to AIDS is not dependent on a single variable but rather on a set of characteristics and pressures exerted by virus biology and interactions with immunogenetic host factors.