A comparison of methods for measuring rectal HIV levels suggests that HIV DNA resides in cells other than CD4 super(+) T cells, including myeloid cells

• Published in: AIDS (London) Vol. 28; no. 3; pp. 439 - 442
• Main Authors: Yukl, Steven A, Sinclair, Elizabeth, Somsouk, Ma, Hunt, Peter W, Epling, Lorrie, Killian, Maudi, Girling, Valerie, Li, Peilin, Havlir, Diane V, Deeks, Steven G, Wong, Joseph K, Hatano, Hiroyu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 28-01-2014
• Subjects: Lentivirus; Retroviridae
• ISSN: 0269-9370
• DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000000166

We compared different techniques for measuring gut HIV reservoirs and assessed for HIV in non-CD4 super(+) T cells. HIV DNA levels were similar when measured from rectal biopsies and isolated rectal cells, while HIV RNA tended to be higher in rectal cells. HIV DNA levels in total rectal cells were greater than those predicted from levels in sorted CD4 super(+) T cells, suggesting a reservoir in non-CD4 super(+) T cells, and HIV DNA was detected in sorted myeloid cells (7/7 subjects).