Self antigen prognostic for human immunodeficiency virus disease progression

We have recently found that an extracellular protein, alpha (1) proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1PI; alpha (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 alpha 1PI. In the asymptomatic category of HIV disease, 100% of patients manifest deficient levels of active alpha 1PI, a condition known to lead to degenerative lung diseases and a dramatically reduced life span. Further, HIV-associated alpha 1PI deficiency is correlated with circulating anti-alpha 1PI immunoglobulin G. These results suggest that preventing HIV-associated alpha 1PI deficiency may provide a strategic target for preventing HIV-associated pathophysiology.