In a recent review published in the journal Cellular & Molecular Immunology, researchers discussed the important virological, immunological, and clinical aspects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients.
Study: The immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in people with HIV. Image Credit: Corona Borealis Studio/Shutterstock.com
This included the severity and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the response to vaccines.
Background
People with HIV have varying levels of immune suppression, viral control, and immune reconstitution, depending on the stage of HIV infection and whether they are on antiretroviral therapy. HIV infections affect the immune system, and often, people with HIV are vulnerable to respiratory infections such as pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that people with HIV infections were at a greater risk of COVID-19 complications than the general population.
The immune competence of people with HIV varies substantially based on whether the individual is on antiretroviral therapy or remains untreated. The HIV infections and the state of immunity in HIV patients have been remarkably well-managed with the use of antiretroviral therapy.
However, the response to antiretrovirals often varies between individuals, and studies report that despite sustained viral suppression, the CD4 cell counts are not normalized in close to 30% of the HIV patients undergoing treatment. This incomplete immune recovery could impact immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 vaccinations.
COVID-19 incidence, severity,