Protection Against HIV-1 Infection in Exposed Seronegative Individuals

M. Juliana McElrath, MD, PhD (PI), Florian Hladik, MD, PhD

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 of HIV-1 coreceptors and the HIV-binding lectin DC-SIGN are also evaluated, in contrast to control low risk populations.  

Publications:

Akridge, R., F. Hladik, J. Markee, C. Alef, H. Kelley, A. Collier, and M. J. McElrath. 1999.   Cellular immunity and target cell susceptibility in persons with repeated HIV-1 exposure. Immunol Lett 66:15 .

Schmechel, S. C., N. Russell, F. Hladik, J. Lang, A. Wilson, R. Ha, A. Desbien, and M. J. McElrath. 2001.   Immune defence against HIV-1 infection in HIV-1-exposed seronegative persons. Immunol Lett 79:21 .

Hladik F., A. Desbien, J. Lang, L. Wang, Y. Ding , S. Holte, A. Wilson, J. Xu, M. Moerbe, S. Schmechel, and M.J. McElrath. 2003.   Most highly exposed seronegative men lack HIV-1-specific, IFN-? secreting T cells. J Immunol 171:2671-83