Sequential Analysis Before and After Treatment Initiation to Unravel the Role of Naturally Occurring Extracellular Vesicles in HIV Infection
This study aims to evaluate the role of extracellular vesicles in HIV-infection, by determining the expression profile and content of EVs before and after treatment initiation in HIV-infected patients, through extensive blood and tissue sampling (leukapheresis, stool sampling and colon biopsies). A one-time sampling (blood, stool, colon biopsies) will also be performed in HIV-seronegative healthy volunteers to confirm that results found in HIV-infected patients are related to the disease.
• Documented untreated HIV-1 infection defined as followed: HIV-1-specific antibody+(western blot); p31+ (ELISA)
• CD4 T cell count will be determined standard of care (SOC). A minimum of 16 patients will be included with a CD4 T cell count lower than 350 cells/µl and a minimum of 16 patients with a CD4 T cell count higher than 350 cells/µl
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent
• Age ≥ 18 years and ≤ 65 years
• Ability to attend the complete schedule of assessments and patient visits as described in the schedule below
• Ability and willingness to have blood, stool and colon samples collected and stored for 20 years after finalizing the study, and used for various research purposes
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent
• Age ≥ 18 years and ≤ 65 years
• Ability to attend the complete sampling schedule, as described below
• Ability and willingness to have blood, stool and colon samples collected and stored for 20 years and used for various research purposes