Background: Convalescent plasma increases SARS-CoV-2 clearance in COVID-19, especially in patients lacking pre-existing antibodies.Research Question: In hospitalized COVID-19 patients receiving convalescent plasma, does conversion to a positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG status provide mortality benefit in patients who lacked SARS-CoV-2 IgG.Study Design and Methods: This observational study included consecutive hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who received convalescent plasma under the Expanded Access Program from April to August of 2020.SARS-CoV-2 N-based IgG antibody ELISA measurements before and after transfusion were recorded.Outcomes of patients without preexisting antibodies who seroconverted immediately after receipt of convalescent plasma were compared to those who did not seroconvert.Hospital mortality was the primary outcome.Results: 275 hospitalized patients received convalescent plasma during the study period.SARS-CoV-2 IgG was collected from 234 patients.110 (47%) patients were seropositive and 124 (53%)were seronegative prior to transfusion.Among the seronegative group, 63 (50.8%) patients seroconverted after plasma transfusion, while 61 (49.2%) remained seronegative despite transfusion.Age, gender, BMI, SOFA scores and receipt of high titer plasma were similar across all subgroups.Seroconversion after transfusion was not associated with survival at hospital discharge (OR 1.9 [CI 0.7-4.9],p = 0.17).Interpretation: Serologic response after transfusion of convalescent plasma is not associated with hospital survival in COVID-19 patients without pre-existing SARS-CoV2 IgG antibodies.

Vesatolimod is a Toll-like receptor-7 (TLR7) agonist in clinical development as part of a combination regimen for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cure. Influenza-like symptoms associated with TLR7-mediated immune activation have been reported in clinical trials of vesatolimod. Therefore, a broader understanding of the safety profile of vesatolimod and association with dose and mechanism of action will help inform future clinical studies. In this analysis, data on flu-like adverse events of interest (AEIs) were pooled from eight clinical studies in which 606 participants either received single or multiple doses of vesatolimod (0.3–12 mg; n = 505) or placebo (n = 101). Vesatolimod pharmacokinetics, inflammatory responses, and pharmacodynamics were assessed. The incidence of flu-like AEIs was higher with vesatolimod versus placebo (19

Background. Treatment with vesatolimod, an investigational, oral, toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist, leads to sustained viral remission in some non-human primates when combined with anti-envelope antibodies or therapeutic vaccines. We report results of a Phase Ib study evaluating safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of vesatolimod in adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1. Methods. In this double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial, participants on antiretroviral therapy with screening plasma HIV-1 RNA levels <50 copies/mL were randomized (6:2) to receive 6-10 doses of vesatolimod (1-12 mg) or matching placebo orally every other week in sequential dose-escalation cohorts. The primary study objectives included establishing the safety and virologic effects of vesatolimod (change from baseline in plasma HIV-1 RNA). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic/immunologic activity were assessed as secondary objectives. Results. A total of 48 individuals were randomly assigned to vesatolimod (n = 36) or placebo (n = 12). Vesatolimod was generally well tolerated, with no study drug-related serious adverse events or adverse events leading to study drug discontinuation. There were no statistically significant changes from baseline in plasma HIV-1 RNA in the vesatolimod groups, compared to placebo. Vesatolimod plasma exposures increased dose proportionally; consistent responses in cytokines, interferon-stimulated gene expression, and lymphocyte activation were observed with increasing dose levels above 4 mg. Peak elevations 24 hours after receipt of a 6 mg dose were >3.9-fold higher for interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (ITAC) when compared to baseline values. Conclusions. Vesatolimod was well tolerated at doses ranging from 1 to 12 mg. Immune stimulation was observed at doses above 4 mg, providing rationale for future combination trials in people living with HIV.

Background. Romidepsin (RMD) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor reported to reverse HIV-1 latency. We sought to identify doses of RMD that were safe and induced HIV-1 expression. Methods. Enrollees had HIV-1 RNA <40 copies/mL on antiretroviral therapy. Measurements included RMD levels, plasma viremia by single-copy HIV-1 RNA assay, HIV-1 DNA, cell-associated unspliced HIV-1 RNA (CA-RNA), acetylation of histone H3-lysine-9 (H3K9ac(+)), and phosphorylation of transcription factor P-TEFb. Wilcoxon tests were used for comparison. Results. In the single-dose cohorts 1-3, 43 participants enrolled (36 participants 0.5, 2, 5 mg/m(2) RMD; 7 placebo) and 16 enrolled in the multidose cohort 4 (13 participants 5 mg/m(2) RMD; 3 placebo). One grade 3 event (neutropenia) was possibly treatment related. No significant changes in viremia were observed in cohorts 1-4 compared to placebo. In cohort 4, pharmacodynamic effects of RMD were reduced proportions of CD4(+) T cells 24 hours after infusions 2-4 (median, -3.5% to -4.5%) vs placebo (median, 0.5% to 1%; P <= .022), and increased H3K9ac(+) and phosphorylated P-TEFb in CD4 (+) T cells vs placebo (P <= .02). Conclusions. RMD infusions were safe but did not increase plasma viremia or unspliced CA-RNA despite pharmacodynamic effects on CD4(+) T cells.

Abstract Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of zidovudine early in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection. Design:A double-blind, randomized, placebo-contro...

BACKGROUND Romidepsin (RMD) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor reported to reverse HIV-1 latency. We sought to identify doses of RMD that were safe and induced HIV-1 expression. METHODS Enrollees had HIV-1 RNA <40 copies/ml on ART. Measurements included RMD levels, plasma viremia by single copy HIV-1 RNA assay, HIV-1 DNA, cell-associated unspliced HIV-1 RNA (CA-RNA), acetylation of histone H3-lysine-9 (H3K9ac+) and phosphorylation of transcription factor P-TEFb. Wilcoxon tests were used for comparison. RESULTS 43 participants enrolled in the single dose Cohorts 1-3 of 0.5, 2, and 5 mg/m 2 (36 RMD; 7 placebo) and 16 enrolled in the multi-dose Cohort 4 of 5 mg/m 2 (13 RMD; 3 placebo). One grade 3 event (neutropenia) was possibly treatment-related. No significant changes in viremia were observed in Cohorts 1-4 compared to placebo. In Cohort 4, observed pharmacodynamic effects of RMD were reduced proportions of CD4+ T cells 24 hours after infusions 2, 3, and 4 (median -3.5% to -4.5%) vs. placebo (+0.5% to 1%; p≤0.022) and increases in H3K9ac+ and phosphorylated P-TEFb in CD4 + T cells compared to placebo (p≤0.02). CONCLUSIONS RMD infusions were safe but did not increase plasma viremia or unspliced CA-RNA despite pharmacodynamic effects on CD4 + T cells. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01933594.

Introduction: Vertical transmission by Toxoplasma gondii usually occurs in women who are infected for the first time during pregnancy. Screening for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is one of the measures adopted in our country as a form of prevention. Objective: To investigate maternal risk factors associated with gestational toxoplasmosis in a large maternity hospital located in Fortaleza-Ceará. Methodology: This is an observational, quantitative comparative study conducted in a federal public maternity hospital located in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil in 2014. Data collection occurred from January to March 2014, through the analysis of medical records. guided by a data collection instrument. The research project was submitted to the Assis Chateaubriand School Maternity Research Ethics Committee (MEAC), and was approved in the register 513.392 / 2014-14. Results: The sample analyzed was established by high risk pregnant women aged 13 to 40 years. The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was predominant in the age group between 20 and 30 years. As managers diagnosed with toxoplasmosis reside mainly in the interior of Ceará with statistically significant difference compared to pregnant women residing in the capital. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the analysis analyzed as the variables that were associated with toxoplasmosis were: residing within the state, gestational week between 13 to 27 weeks, normal sharing and using positive IgG serology for toxoplasmosis.

Abstract Background Black adults are disproportionately affected by HIV. Methods We conducted a 96-week subgroup analysis by race (Black vs. non-Black) for efficacy (pre-specified) and safety (post-hoc) from a randomized, double blind, active-controlled study in virologically suppressed HIV-infected individuals who switched to emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (FTC/TAF) from FTC/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) vs. continuing FTC/TDF while remaining on the same third agent. Results Of 663 treated patients, 136 (20.5%) self-identified as Black (FTC /TAF n = 69, FTC /TDF n = 67). Baseline viral load, CD4 counts, renal laboratory parameters, and bone mineral density (BMD) were similar between the two arms within Blacks and non-Blacks. For Blacks, virologic success by FDA snapshot algorithm at week 96: FTC /TAF 87.0% vs. FTC /TDF 88.1%; for non-Blacks 89.0% vs. 89.7%. Few participants discontinued study drug due to adverse events in either subgroups (FTC/TAF vs. FTC/TDF: Black 0 vs.. 1.5%; non-Black, 3.0% vs. 1.1%). In assessment of renal and bone safety using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), renal biomarkers, and BMD, there were differences between two arms that generally favored FTC/TAF over FTC/TDF (Table). In the overall population, no cases of Fanconi syndrome or proximal renal tubulopathy occurred with FTC/TAF; one FTC/TDF participant discontinued study drug due to proximal tubulopathy. Conclusion In virologically suppressed Black adults, FTC/TAF demonstrated improvements in renal and bone safety over FTC/TDF with similar sustained efficacy at week 96. These results support switching to FTC/TAF from FTC/TDF for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in Black adults. Disclosures J. A. Flamm, Gilead: Investigator, Research support; T. Vanig, Gilead: Consultant, Investigator and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research support and Speaker honorarium; J. Gathe, Gilead: Investigator, Research support; C. Kinder, Gilead: Investigator, Research support; M. Para, Gilead: Investigator, Research grant and Research support; B. Rashbaum, Gilead: Investigator and Shareholder, Research support and Speaker honorarium; S. Segal-Maurer, Gilead Sciences: Consultant, Investigator, Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research support and Speaker honorarium; Janssen Therapeutics: Speaker’s Bureau, Speaker honorarium; D. Shamblaw, Gilead: Investigator, Research support; M. Wohlfeiler, Gilead: Investigator, Research support; B. Young, Gilead Sciences: Independent Contractor, Investigator, Research Contractor and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee, Research support and Speaker honorarium; Merck & Co: Scientific Advisor and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee, Research support and Speaker honorarium; ViiV Healthcare: Scientific Advisor, Research grant; C. Zurawski, Gilead: Investigator, Research grant; M. S. Rhee, Gilead: Employee and Shareholder, Salary

Identifying host determinants associated with HIV reservoir size and viral rebound timing after an analytic treatment interruption (ATI) is an important step in the search for an HIV functional cure. A pooled analysis of 103 participants from four AIDS Clinical Trials Group ATI studies to identify the association between HLA class I alleles with HIV reservoir size and viral rebound timing. Total HIV DNA and cell-associated HIV RNA (CA-RNA) were quantified in pre-ATI peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples, and residual plasma viremia was measured using the single-copy assay. HLA class I typing was performed and we generated an odds ratio (OR) of predicted HLA effect on HIV viremia control for each individual and compared this with time to viral rebound, and levels of HIV DNA and CA-RNA. There was no significant association between the HLA ORs and levels of HIV DNA or CA-RNA, but carriage of protective HLA-B alleles (lower OR scores) was associated with delayed viral rebound (P=0.02). Higher OR scores at the HLA-C locus were associated with longer duration of ART treatment (P=0.01) and this trend was also seen with the combined OR score (P=0.007). Individuals with protective HLA-B alleles had delayed viral rebound after treatment interruption that was not explained by differences in baseline reservoir size. The results indicate the vital role of cellular host immunity in preventing HIV rebound and the importance of taking into account the HLA status of study participants being evaluated in HIV cure trials.

Participant accrual into research studies is critical to advancing clinical and translational research to clinical care. Without sufficient recruitment, the purpose of any research study cannot be realized; yet, low recruitment and enrollment of participants persist. StudySearch is a web-based application designed to provide an easily readable, publicly accessible, and searchable listing of IRB-approved protocols that are accruing study participants. The Regulatory, Recruitment and Biomedical Informatics Cores of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) at The Ohio State University developed this research study posting platform. Postings include basic descriptive information: study title, purpose of the study, eligibility criteria and study personnel contact information. Language concerning benefits and/or inducements is not included; therefore, while IRB approval for a study to be listed on StudySearch is required, IRB approval of the posted language is not. Studies are listed by one of two methods; one automated and one manual: (1). Studies registered on ClinicalTrials.gov are automatically downloaded once a month; or (2). Studies are submitted directly by researchers to the CCTS Regulatory Core staff. In either case, final language is a result of an iterative process between researchers and CCTS staff. Deployed in January 2011 at OSU, this application has grown to approximately 200 studies currently posted and 1500 unique visitors per month. Locally, StudySearch is part of the CCTS recruitment toolkit. Features continue to be modified to better accommodate user behaviors. Nationally, this open source application is available for use.

HIV creates substantial uncertainty for people infected with the virus, which subsequently affects a host of psychosocial outcomes critical to successful management of the disease. This study assessed the efficacy and durability of a theoretically driven, one-on-one peer support intervention designed to facilitate uncertainty management and enhance psychosocial functioning for patients newly diagnosed with HIV. Using a pretest-posttest control group design, 98 participants received information and training in specific communication strategies (e.g., disclosing to friends and family, eliciting social support, talking to health care providers, using the Internet to gather information, and building social networks through AIDS service organizations). Participants in the experimental group attended six 1-hour sessions, whereas control participants received standard of care for 12 months (after which they received the intervention). Over time, participants in the intervention fared significantly better regarding (a) illness uncertainty, (b) depression, and (c) satisfaction with social support than did those in the control group. Given the utility and cost-effectiveness of this intervention and the uncertainty of a multitude of medical diagnoses and disease experiences, further work is indicated to determine how this program could be expanded to other illnesses and to address related factors, such as treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.

Viral load (VL) rebound timing and set point were analyzed in 235 participants undergoing analytic treatment interruption (ATI) in 6 AIDS Clinical Trials Group studies. There was no significant association between rebound timing and ATI VL set point for those who rebounded ≤12 weeks. VL set points were lower in participants with rebound >12 weeks (P < 0.001) and participants treated during early infection (P < 0.001). Pre-antiretroviral therapy VL correlated with set point, though 68% of participants had a set point lower than pre-antiretroviral therapy VL. These results illustrate complex relationships between post-ATI virologic outcomes and the potential presence of biological factors mediating rebound timing and set point.

Objectives:Therapies to achieve sustained antiretroviral therapy-free HIV remission will require validation in analytic treatment interruption (ATI) trials. Identifying biomarkers that predict time to viral rebound could accelerate the development of such therapeutics.Design:A pooled analysis of participants from six AIDS Clinical Trials Group ATI studies to identify predictors of viral rebound.Methods:Cell-associated DNA (CA-DNA) and CA-RNA were quantified in pre-ATI peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples, and residual plasma viremia was measured using the single-copy assay.Results:Participants who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) during acute/early HIV infection and those on a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-containing regimen had significantly delayed viral rebound. Participants who initiated ART during acute/early infection had lower levels of pre-ATI CA-RNA (acute/early vs. chronic-treated: median <92 vs. 156 HIV-1 RNA copies/10(6) CD4(+) cells, P<0.01). Higher pre-ATI CA-RNA levels were significantly associated with shorter time to viral rebound (4 vs. 5-8 vs. >8 weeks: median 182 vs. 107 vs. <92 HIV-1 RNA copies/10(6) CD4(+) cells, Kruskal-Wallis P<0.01). The proportion of participants with detectable plasma residual viremia prior to ATI was significantly higher among those with shorter time to viral rebound.Conclusion:Higher levels of HIV expression while on ART are associated with shorter time to HIV rebound after treatment interruption. Quantification of the active HIV reservoir may provide a biomarker of efficacy for therapies that aim to achieve ART-free HIV remission.

BACKGROUND:Metabolic effects following combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) vary by regimen type. Changes in metabolic effects were assessed following cART in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) A5257 study, and correlated with plasma ritonavir trough concentrations (C24).METHODS:Treatment-naive adult subjects were randomized to ritonavir-boosted atazanavir or darunavir, or raltegravir-based cART. Changes in lipids and other metabolic outcomes over time were estimated. Differences between arms were estimated with 97.5% confidence intervals and compared using pairwise Student t tests. Associations between ritonavir C24 and lipid changes at week 48 were evaluated via linear regression.RESULTS:Analyses included 1797 subjects with baseline fasting data. Baseline lipid profiles and metabolic syndrome rates (approximately 21%) were similar across arms. Comparable increases occurred in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with the boosted protease inhibitors (PIs); each PI had greater increases relative to raltegravir (all P ≤ .001 at week 96). Metabolic syndrome incident rates by week 96 (approximately 22%) were not different across arms. Ritonavir C24 was not different by arm (P = .89) (median, 69 ng/mL and 74 ng/mL in the atazanavir and darunavir arms, respectively) and were not associated with changes in lipid measures (all P > .1).CONCLUSIONS:Raltegravir produced the most favorable lipid profile. Metabolic syndrome rates were high at baseline and increased to the same degree in all arms. Ritonavir C24 was not different in the PI arms and had no relationship with the modest but comparable increases in lipids observed with either atazanavir or darunavir. The long-term clinical significance of the lipid changes noted with the PIs relative to raltegravir deserves further evaluation.CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION:NCT 00811954.

The first cure of HIV-1 infection was achieved through complex, multimodal therapy including myeloablative chemotherapy, total body irradiation, anti-thymocyte globulin, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation with a CCR5 delta32 homozygous donor. The contributions of each component of this therapy to HIV-1 eradication are unclear. To assess the impact of cytotoxic chemotherapy alone on HIV-1 persistence, we longitudinally evaluated low-level plasma viremia and HIV-1 DNA in PBMC from patients in the ACTG A5001/ALLRT cohort on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) who underwent chemotherapy for HIV-1 related lymphoma without interrupting ART. Plasma HIV-1 RNA, total HIV-1 DNA and 2-LTR circles (2-LTRs) in PBMC were measured using sensitive qPCR assays. In the 9 patients who received moderately intensive chemotherapy for HIV-1 related lymphoma with uninterrupted ART, low-level plasma HIV-1 RNA did not change significantly with chemotherapy: median HIV-1 RNA was 1 copy/mL (interquartile range: 1.0 to 20) pre-chemotherapy versus 4 copies/mL (interquartile range: 1.0 to 7.0) post-chemotherapy. HIV-1 DNA levels also did not change significantly, with median pre-chemotherapy HIV-1 DNA of 355 copies/106 CD4+ cells versus 228 copies/106 CD4+ cells post-chemotherapy. 2-LTRs were detectable in 2 of 9 patients pre-chemotherapy and in 3 of 9 patients post-chemotherapy. In summary, moderately intensive chemotherapy for HIV-1 related lymphoma in the context of continuous ART did not have a prolonged impact on HIV-1 persistence. Clinical Trials Registration Unique Identifier: NCT00001137

Single-arm clinical trials are useful to evaluate antiretroviral regimens in certain populations of HIV-infected treatment-naive patients for whom a randomized controlled trial is not feasible or desirable. They can also be useful to establish initial estimates of efficacy and safety/tolerability of novel regimens to inform the design of large phase III trials. In this article, we discuss key design considerations for such single-arm studies.

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is a commonly used antibiotic for prevention of infectious diseases associated with HIV/AIDS and immune-compromised states. SMX-induced hypersensitivity is an idiosyncratic cutaneous drug reaction with genetic components. Here, we tested association of candidate genes involved in SMX bioactivation and antioxidant defense with SMX-induced hypersensitivity.