Qualitative and quantitative HIV antibodies and viral reservoir size characterization in vertically infected children with virological suppression

Background: Absence of detectable viraemia after treatment cessation in some vertically HIV-infected (VHIV) children suggests that early initiation of HAART could lead to functional cure. Objectives: We described the factors associated with HIV antibody levels and the viral reservoir size in HAART-treated VHIV children. Methods: Study included 97 VHIV children with virological suppression, in Bamako, Mali. The anti-gp41 antibody activities and HIV serostatus were assessed. The viral reservoir size was measured by quantifying total cellassociated HIV DNA. Results: Among the children studied, the median total HIV DNA level was 445 copies/106 cells (IQR=187-914) and the median anti-gp41 antibody activity was 0.29 OD (IQR=0.18-0.75). Low activity of anti-gp41 antibodies was associated with a younger age of HAART initiation (P=0.01). Overall, eight HIV-1 seroreversions were identified. Conclusions: Study identified potential candidates with low viral reservoir and low antibody levels or activities for future trials aiming to reduce HIV-1 reservoir to limit HAART duration.