Self Antigen Prognostic for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease Progression

We have recently found that an extracellular protein, α(1) proteinase inhibitor (α(1)PI; α(1) antitrypsin), is required for in vitro human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infectivity outcome. We show here in a study of HIV-seropositive patients that decreased viral load is significantly correlated with decreased circulating α(1)PI. In the asymptomatic category of HIV disease, 100% of patients manifest deficient levels of active α(1)PI, a condition known to lead to degenerative lung diseases and a dramatically reduced life span. Further, HIV-associated α(1)PI deficiency is correlated with circulating anti-α(1)PI immunoglobulin G. These results suggest that preventing HIV-associated α(1)PI deficiency may provide a strategic target for preventing HIV-associated pathophysiology.