Tfh Dysfunction in HIV and Aging
The purpose of this research is to evaluate blood samples from HIV infected and non-HIV infected people to understand how aging and HIV infection affect the immune responses (body defenses against infection) to the flu vaccine.
• For HIV positive participants:
‣ HIV infection, as documented by any licensed ELISA test kit. Participants on ART as a result of prior HIV documented infection will not be required to provide proof of diagnosis of HIV infection.
⁃ Additional criteria for HIV positive
⁃ on ART for at least 1 year. Occasional viral blips up to 1000 copies/ml also acceptable provided the patients are on continuing treatment,
• Cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count available in the prior 6 months and \>200/mm3
• Undetectable viral load (\< 40 copies/mL). Blips of \<1000 copies/mL will be allowed.
• For HIV negative participants:
‣ Documented negative HIV test at the time of study entry, either by any licensed ELISA.
• For all participants:
∙ Individuals age: ≤35 years and ≥65 years.
‣ No history of other immunodeficiency disorders
‣ Not on steroid or other immunosuppressive/immunomodulators medications.
‣ No active malignancies.
‣ Agreeable to receive both regular standard (STD-TIV) and high dose (HD-TIV) influenza vaccination.
‣ Agreeable to participate in study for a complete course of study full visits including 2 consecutive flu seasons.
‣ Able to provide informed consent.