Incomplete inhibition of HIV infection results in more HIV infected lymph node cells by reducing cell death

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.30134
• Publication Date: 2018-03-20T00:00:17Z
• Authors: Laurelle Jackson; Jessica Hunter; Sandile Cele; Isabella Markham ...; Andrew C Young; Farina Karim; Rajhmun Madansein; Kaylesh J Dullabh; Chih-Yuan Chen; Noel J Buckels; Yashica Ganga; Khadija Khan; Mikael Boulle; Gila Lustig; Richard A Neher; Alex Sigal
• Keywords: Efavirenz

HIV has been reported to be cytotoxic in vitro and lymph node infection models. Using a computational approach, we found that partial inhibition of transmissions multiple virions per cell could lead increased numbers live infected cells. If the number viral DNA copies remains above one after inhibition, then eliminating surplus reduces death. line, observed cells when was partially inhibited with antiretroviral efavirenz or neutralizing antibody. We used at concentrations nodes inhibit by resistant mutants. more cells, but fewer cell, relative no drug. Hence, counterintuitively, limited attenuation transmission may increase environments where force is high.