In vivo effect of anti-PD-1 on HIV-specific CD8 T-cells in men with HIV

Abstract

One approach to achieve a cure for HIV infection or allow for people with HIV to safely stop antiretroviral therapy is to enhance HIV-specific immune function by reversing immune exhaustion. Immune checkpoint blockade with anti-PD1 can enhance virus-specific T-cell function ex vivo and in animal models but the effects of anti-PD1 on HIV-specific T-cells in vivo has not been explored. We examine samples from men with HIV and cancer on antiretroviral therapy who receive nivolumab (anti-PD1) every two weeks as part of a prospective clinical trial. We show that a single dose of anti-PD-1 increases HIV-specific CD8 + T cells in some but not all participants. Using single cell RNAseq of HIV-specif..