Projects

The VISCONTI study proposed that post-treatment control (PTC) of HIV infection might be favored by early antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation. However, a formal demonstration has not been established and the underlying mechanisms leading to PTC remain elusive. The pVISCONTI program aims to assess, in standardized conditions, the impact of early versus late ART initiation on… Continue reading A Non-Human Primate Model For HIV Remission (pVISCONTI)

The development of therapeutic strategies towards HIV cure requires first an appropriate definition of the latent HIV reservoirs in which HIV persists indefinitely as a barrier against cure. Therefore, a correct redefinition of cells harboring the latent reservoirs is key to define the appropriate signals and drugs that would help at purging the HIV reservoirs.… Continue reading Fine characterization of the latent HIV-1/SIV reservoirs using a highly multiplex innovative approach

The results of the ANRS EP47 VISCONTI (Viro-Immunological Sustained COntrol after Treatment Interruption) study provided proof of concept that a state of sustainable HIV remission may be induced in at least some people with HIV: the post-treatment controllers (PTC). Unlike natural controllers, PTCs presented a symptomatic primary HIV-1 infection with high viral load and low… Continue reading Viral dynamics of rebound and control following early treatment of HIV/SIV (NIH)

People in remission of HIV infection have benefited from therapies that limited the size of viral reservoir, contributing to preventing post-treatment rebound of viremia. Early control of this reservoir, limitation of pharmacological sanctuaries and residual replication that can be improved by direct antiviral effects are among the key scientific challenges to make remission a reality… Continue reading Imaging drug diffusion and viral reservoirs, WP2

Despite current effective and life-prolonging combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV 1 can still not be cured and remission is not attainable for most persons. Indeed, the virus persists in people receiving ART and can produce active infection upon treatment interruption due notably to reactivation of viral expression from latently-infected cells, called HIV reservoirs. HIV-1 transcriptional… Continue reading Heterogeneity of mechanisms responsible for HIV-1 gene silencing, WP1

Early ART initiation seems to favor post-treatment control of infection. However, only a minority of the individuals who are treated early is able to control viremia once the treatment is interrupted. Through retrospective analyses of data available in the ANRS CO6 PRIMO cohort and the Post-treatment controllers in the ANRS VISCONTI study, we have identified… Continue reading ANRS 175 RHIVIERA 01_Assessment of HIV remission upon ART interruption in early treated individuals from ANRS CO6 PRIMO cohort carrying the MHC genotype B35(53)Bw4TTC2

ART initiation during primary HIV infection limits the establishment, diversity and distribution of the viral reservoir while preserving key lymphoid organs of the deleterious effects of persistent viral replication and chronic immune activation, favoring the optimal maturation of immune responses. Early ART initiation may even facilitate long-term post-treatment control in some individuals. Therapeutic interventions during… Continue reading ANRS 176 RHIVIERA 02_Assessment of HIV remission upon ART interruption in individuals initiating ART in combination with two long lasting bNabs during primary infection