Transient viral replication during analytical treatment interruptions in SIV infected macaques can alter the rebound-competent viral reservoir

PLoS Pathog. 2021 Jun 18;17(6):e1009686. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009686. eCollection 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) play a central role in evaluating the efficacy of HIV-1 treatment strategies targeting virus that persists despite ART. However, it remains unclear if ATIs alter the rebound-competent viral reservoir (RCVR), the virus population that persists during ART and from which viral recrudescence originates after ART discontinuation. To assess the impact of ATIs on the RCVR, we used a barcode sequence tagged SIV to track individual viral lineages through a series of ATIs in Rhesus macaques. We demonstrate that transient replication of individual rebounding lineages during an ATI can lead to their enrichment in the RCVR, increasing their probability of reactivating again after treatment discontinuation. These data establish that the RCVR can be altered by uncontrolled replication during ATI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / virology*
  • Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / drug effects*
  • Virus Activation / drug effects*
  • Virus Latency / drug effects
  • Virus Replication / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents