Polymorphism in interleukin-7 receptor α gene is associated with faster CD4⁺ T-cell recovery after initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy

AIDS. 2014 Jul 31;28(12):1739-48. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000000354.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding interleukin-7 receptor α (IL7RA) as predictors for CD4⁺ T-cell change after initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in HIV-infected whites.

Design: SNPs in IL7RA were determined in the Danish HIV Cohort Study.

Methods: CD4⁺ T-cell changes were estimated 6 months, 1, 2, and 5 years after initiation of cART in 1683 HIV-infected virally suppressed individuals. Five SNPs in IL7RA were examined as predictors for CD4⁺ T-cell change in the first (0-6 months after initiation of cART) and second phase (>6 months after initiation of cART) of immune recovery. Univariable and multivariable analyses including age, sex, calendar period, CD4⁺ nadir, and baseline CD4⁺ T-cell count and viral load as covariates were performed.

Results: Individuals carrying two T-alleles in rs6897932 had faster CD4⁺ T-cell recovery compared with individuals carrying a C-allele in the first phase of immune recovery [mean CD4⁺ T-cell change, cells/μL (95% confidence interval), in TT: 177 (151-203), CT: 131 (119-143), CC: 141 (132-151), P = 0.018]. No isolated effect of rs6897932 on CD4⁺ T-cell change was found in the second phase of immune recovery; however, the initial difference in CD4⁺ T-cell recovery remained during 5 years. The effect was most pronounced in individuals above 40 years of age.

Conclusion: T-allele homozygosity in rs6897932 is a predictor for faster CD4⁺ T-cell recovery after initiation of cART in HIV-infected whites, however, only in the first phase of immune recovery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Denmark
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-7 Receptor alpha Subunit / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents
  • Interleukin-7 Receptor alpha Subunit