Viral Rebound Kinetics Correlate with Distinct HIV Antibody Features
Yannic C. Bartsch, Carolin Loos, Evan Rossignol, Jesse Fajnzylber, Dansu Yuan, Anchalee Avihingsanon, Sasiwimol Ubolyam, Thidarat Jupimai, Bernard Hirschel, Jintanat Ananworanich, Douglas A. Lauffenburger, Jonathan Z. Li, Galit Alter, Boris Jülg
Abstract
Plasma viremia reoccurs in most HIV-infected individuals once antiretroviral therapy is interrupted, and interindividual differences in the kinetics of viral rebound have been associated with virological and immunological factors. Antibody features, including Fc functionality and Fc glycosylation, have been identified as sensitive surrogates for disease activity in multiple diseases. Here, we systematically analyzed HIV-specific antibody quantities and qualitative differences in 23 ART-suppressed individuals prior to undergoing an analytical ART interruption (ATI). We found that antibodies with distinct functional properties and Fc glycan signatures separated individuals into early and delayed viral rebounders and tracked with levels of inflammatory cytokines and transcriptional activity of the viral reservoir. These data suggest that antibody features can be used as sensitive indicators of HIV disease activity and could be included in future HIV eradication studies.