Human t-cell lymphocyte virus-1 (HTLV-1) proviral load and viral gene expression in HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) patients

Authors

• A Vellucci
• B Caruso
• Y Enose-Akahata
• J Ohayon
• J Billioux
• S Azodi
• S Jacobson

Abstract

Background: Human T-Cell Lymphocyte Virus-1 is a retrovirus that causes HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP). A proviral load (PVL) greater than 1% is a risk factor for developing HAM/TSP. We sought to determine the PBMC and CSF PVL and natural history of two viral proteins involved in HTLV-1 infection, Tax and HBZ, in 16 patients in a Raltegravir clinical trial. Raltegravir is an integrase inhibitor used in HIV treatment. Methods: Patient whole blood and CSF was collected. PBMC and CSF PVL and PBMC Tax and HBZ expression were tested by ddPCR. Results: A direct relationship exists between Tax mRNA expression and both PVL (p

Scientific Focus Area: Virology

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