Cell-associated HIV-1 messenger RNA and DNA in T-helper cell and monocytes in asymptomatic HIV-1-infected subjects on HAART plus an inactivated HIV-1 immunogen

Objective: We examined the effect of an HIV-1-specific immune-based therapy on cell-associated HIV-1 DNA and RNA. Design: Five HIV-1-infected subjects receiving HIV-1 immunogen plus HAART were compared with three HIV-1-infected subjects who received incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) plus HAART. Methods: Cell-associated HIV-1 RNA or DNA in lymphocytes and monocytes was determined using a dual immunophenotyping/in situ hybridization assay with or without in situ PCR amplification. Results: Cell-associated HIV-1 RNA in CD4 cells correlated with plasma RNA overall. CD4, HIV-1 gag-pol messenger (m)RNA+ cells decreased in the immunogen plus HAART group compared with the IFA plus HAART group. Decreases in HIV-1 DNA+ CD4 cells were observed in the immunogen plus HAART compared with the IFA plus HAART group. Decreases in HIV-1 gag-pol mRNA+ monocytes were observed in the immunogen plus HAART group compared with the IFA plus HAART group. Consistent with the findings in CD4 cells, decreases in HIV-1 DNA+ monocytes were observed in the immunogen plus HAART group compared with the IFA plus HAART group. Conclusions: These preliminary observations support the rationale for examining the combination of immune-based therapies and antiretroviral drugs for effective HIV-1 control.