HIV Reactivation after Partial Protection by Neutralizing Antibodies

Publication date: Available online 30 January 2018
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Matthew S. Parsons, Deborah Cromer, Miles P. Davenport, Stephen J. Kent
It is widely thought that generating broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies (BnAbs) will protect humans against HIV, given promising data from in vitro experiments and in vivo macaque studies. The primary action of BnAbs is preventing cell-free virus from entering cells. Recent in vitro and macaque data suggest that BnAbs are less potent against cell-associated virus exposure. We speculate that BnAb-based suppression of HIV transmission, particularly if mediated by cell–cell transmission, may result in some exposed subjects carrying a form of latent (or 'occult') HIV infection. Such largely hidden HIV infections may subsequently reactivate when BnAb levels decline. This concept has implications for the achievement of long-term sterilizing immunity to HIV.



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