This research project investigates rare individuals who appear naturally resistant to overt HIV-1 infection despite repeated sexual exposures. These persons represent a unique population to evaluate mechanisms by which HIV-1 replication is either controlled or aborted.
The specific aims examine the phenotype and function of HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cells and their anti-viral properties that confer potential protection. Unique genetic polymorphisms are also evaluated, in contrast to control low risk populations. Additional studies are pursuing patterns of infectivity in HIV-1 target cells to understand relative resistance in vitro among some donors.
Publications:
W.C. Goh, J. Markee, R. Akridge, M. Meldorf, L. Musey, T. Karchmer, M. Krone, A. Collier, L. Corey, M. Emerman, and M.J. McElrath . Protection against HIV-1 infection in persons with repeated exposure: evidence for T cell immunity in the absence of inherited CCR5 co-receptor defects. J Infect Dis. 179:548-557, 1999.
R. Akridge, F. Hladik, J. Markee, C. Alef, H. Kelley, A. Collier, and M.J. McElrath . Cellular immunity and target cell susceptibility in persons with repeated HIV-1 exposure. 1999. Immunology Letters 66:15-19, 1999.
T. Zhu, L. Corey, Y. Hwangbo, S. Brodie, J. Lee, J. Krieger, G. Learn, J. Mullins, and M.J. McElrath . Persistence of extraordinarily low levels of HIV-1 in exposed seronegative individuals. In press, J. Virology
