Summary of viral load dynamics and correlation to CD8 T-cell depletion.

There were no significant differences between the depleted and control animals in peak viral load, set point, or SIV RNA half-life on antiretroviral therapy.
Viral load set points were computed by averaging all available logarithmic viral loads for each animal between weeks 7 and 12 of the study. After Ab treatment VL were computed by averaging D89, D90, D91 VL. The exponential fit parameter (week 12–13) is the slope of the rise in log viral load during the depletion phase of study. The half-life of productively infected cells was estimated from plasma decay during the first week on ART.
**Rise in viral load during depletion phase was significantly correlated with CD8% in peripheral blood and lamina propria. Spearman Rank Correlation p≤0.04 and p≤0.007 respectively.
*Half life of productively infected cells was not correlated with CD8%/depletion.
†Viral load increased significantly following administration of antibody (p<0.05 by Wilcoxon test).