Estudi de biomarcadors predictius en el control natural del VIH en Controladors d'Elit

Identifier:  TDX:4135

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX4135

Authors:  Masip Morcillo, Jenifer

Abstract:
The identification of a group of HIV-infected patients who have the ability to maintain undetectable viral load levels in the absence of antiretroviral treatment, called elite controllers, represent a good pathogenic model for a functional HIV cure. However, information on the exact mechanisms involved in this HIV control are not fully described, new studies suggest that the phenotype of elite controllers is very heterogeneous, in virological, immunological and even in clinical characteristics. In the HIV scenario, omics sciences provide relevant information about specific mechanistic pathways involved in persistent viral control and the discovery of potential biomarkers. This information could help define a population of elite controllers and learn more about the determinants of viral control, immune defense, and features of functional healing. The present thesis focuses on the study of different phenotypes of elite controllers, as a model of the natural control of HIV infection, and the identification of a predictive plasma profile associated with viral and/or immunological control, to identify powerful biomarkers that allow us to quickly detect future losses of natural control in these individuals. Although it is a very diverse population and many factors are involved simultaneously, our results reveal plasma profiles characterized by relevant biomolecules in immunometabolism that discriminate between the different phenotypes of elite controllers.