Scientists reveal new evidence about the relationship between AIDS and the immune system

FROM EFE

Two different groups of Spanish researchers have provided new data that deepens our knowledge of the relationship between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is responsible for AIDS, and the changes that the infection causes in the immune system.

Researchers from the National Center for Microbiology of the Carlos III Institute of Health (ISCIII) in Madrid published the results of their work in their respective journals (Frontiers in Pharmacology and Journal of Biomedical Sciences).

it will also coincide with the celebration of World AIDS Day next Sunday.

One of the studies is providing new knowledge about low-grade viremia (the virus entering the bloodstream), cellular senescence and the risk of diseases such as cancer.

The second involves a new strategy based on temporary treatment with immunomodulatory drugs to reprogram the immune system and maintain control of the viral reservoir in the absence of antiretroviral treatment, ISCIII said in a press release issued today.

The paper, published in the Journal of Biomedical Science, is first signed by researcher Violeta Lara Aguilar and led by Veronica Breeze of the National Microbiology Center. Her research reveals new evidence about the impact of low-grade viremia on the human immune system. people with HIV receiving long-term antiretroviral treatment.

Antiretroviral treatment has improved the quality of life of many people with HIV infection.although it was not possible to completely reverse the impact of the viral infection on the immune system, the Carlos III Institute of Health recalled today.

HIV has been shown to cause dysregulated immune responses, resulting in a depleted immune system in people with HIV compared to the general population, leading to an increased risk of developing more diseases at the same time (comorbidity).

The results of this study showed that people with HIV have a different immune profile than the general population, with greater cellular activation, aging and inflammation, and various changes that affect numerous cells.

The second study concluded that treatment with immunomodulatory drugs such as ponatinib, together with antiretroviral therapy, may be effective in enhancing the antiviral activity of cytotoxic cells and helping to eliminate the viral reservoir in cases of viral infection. virus.

This work was led by the group of Maite Koiras from the National Center for Microbiology ISCIII, and with this pilot study it was demonstrated in vitro that short-term treatment with immunomodulatory agents may represent an alternative method for gradually reprogramming the immune system against the HIV viral reservoir.

The results show that a subpopulation of lymphocytes (“CD4+ T”) is resistant to HIV-1 infection during ponatinib treatment and for one year after stopping the drug.

The study, detailed in ISCIII, proposes a new strategy in which patients with the virus could be temporarily treated with immunomodulatory drugs that reprogram the immune system to keep reservoir cells under control in the absence of antiretroviral treatment.