Natural Resistance to HIV-1: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Research on HIV-1 infection has led to the identification of individuals who, despite repeated exposure to the virus, show no signs of infection. These individuals are termed as HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN), indicating potential mechanisms of natural resistance to HIV-1. Objective: To outline the available literature on HESN individuals and their mechanisms of natural resistance. Methods: A comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted across six databases, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Data analysis involved absolute and relative frequencies, as well as a scientific collaboration network analysis using Ghepi. Results: 124 articles were found, encompassing 4,079 HESN individuals. The scientific community focused on this topic comprised 688 researchers from the United States, Italy, Canada, Spain, Brazil, and Colombia. The crite-ria for designating an individual as HESN were highly variable. 33 distinct mechanisms associated with natural resistance to HIV-1 were identified. The most prevalent were soluble factors in mucosal and peripheral blood (30.6%), followed by the Δ32 mutation (14.5%), KIR/HLA alleles (10.5%), and neutralizing IgA (10.5%). Conclusions: A solid scientific community is actively exploring natural resistance to HIV-1 infection. There is notable diversity in the immunological mechanisms involved in natural virus resistance and significant variability in the criteria defining HESN populations.

Keywords

• immunity innate
• hiv1
• systematic review