The "Controller" Phenomenon

[bear60]

This is not a new topic here but there are always new people around who might be interested in knowing about this study:

http://www.hivcontrollers.org/healthprofessionals
 
To date many factors have been associated with HIV control, but none of them have been able to fully explain this phenomenon. Probably the strongest evidence that supports a role for host genetics is the over-representation of the HLA B*57 allele and to a lesser extent the B*27 allele among HIV controllers, compared with individuals with progressive infection; still these alleles are absent in more than half of HIV controllers. How the presence of these HLA types is related to viral control is not yet understood. Other host genetic factors associated with viral control, including the CCR5 co-receptor polymorphisms have been described in this population.

[bimazek]

check my posts on gene ZNRD-1  discovered by Harvard spring summer of 2008 i think this gene was discovered to be involved with elite controllers by Harvard and Emory univ

[zephyr]

Hi Bear,

I've been away for a while, but came in to post a thread about an interesting new Pilot Study launched by the NIH called "Cell Transfer" between elite controllers and progressors of HIV infection.

The interesting synergy between your thread (oriented specifically to the findings of the HIV Controller Study at Harvard) and mine is the fact that B*5701 plays an integral part in the eligibility criteria between both the donor and the recipient involved in the Pilot Study.

As you know, I tested positive for both the B*5701 and B*27 gene in 2004, and have since learned that 85% of elite controllers test positive for the B*5701. Current findings show that the B27 gene is prevalent in our group, too, although I have yet to read about a percentage.

Thanks for continuing to post information about the studies on these forums.  I sure do hope you are doing well!

My best,
Zephyr

[manchesteruk]

Thanks for posting this it's reminded me I need to sort out sending off a second sample it had completely slipped my mind!  I've e-mailed my hospital and the study today so hopefully I can sort this out soon.  Nice to see you again Zephyr as well!

[zephyr]

bear - I made a mistake when I mentioned testing positive for the HLA B*27 gene....I checked my NIH file, and refreshed my memory on alleles.  I carry HLA B*5701, B*13 and HLA A*02 and 30.

manchesteruk - how are you doing? It's nice to 'see' you, too! Thanks, honey.



Be well,
Zephyr

[manchesteruk]

I'm doing really well thanks, keeping very with work etc though I need a holiday I think!  Seems you've been keeping very involved with the controllers study. Has there been any interesting results from the research so far?

[Funkengruven]

I just wanted to say thank you again for mentioning this study.  I called the number when I saw this posted, and I just found out I was accepted in.  It's nice to know that I can do something to help my community, and it doesn't involve much time or effort.  I encourage anyone who think they may qualify to give the researchers a phone call or email.