Dynamics of HIV-1 DNA level in highly antiretroviral-experienced patients receiving raltegravir-based therapy

To assess dynamics of HIV-1 DNA in highly antiretroviral (ARV)-experienced HIV-infected patients successfully treated with raltegravir (RAL)-containing therapy. Nineteen patients with virological failure whose ARV treatment was switched to a RAL-based salvage regimen with virological success were included (Group I). Ten patients in virological failure and responding to ARV salvage therapy not containing RAL were also included (Group II). The HIV-1 DNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was assessed by real-time PCR at baseline, W12, W24, W36 or W48. In group I, a marked decrease in the HIV-1 DNA level was observed at W12 both in PBMC (median decrease = 0.38 log(10)copies/10(6)PBMC; P < 0.001) and in CD4 T cells (0.85 log(10)copies/10(6)CD4 T cells; P < 0.001). Plasma HIV-1 RNA decrease was correlated with HIV-1 DNA decrease expressed as copies/10(6)CD4 T cells (r = 0.55, P = 0.03). HIV-1 DNA level reached a steady state by W24. Thus, RAL-containing treatment in highly ARV-experienced patients was associated with a rapid HIV-1 DNA decrease, mainly in the circulating CD4 T cells compartment. Group II patients showed an early decrease in the HIV-1 DNA load until W12, which was 2.5-fold less pronounced in the CD4 T cells compartment than in the RAL-treated patients. The potent action of RAL-containing treatment observed in the CD4 T cells compartment may suggest a pronounced reduced inhibition in the pool of regenerating CD4 T cells on a RAL-based therapy.