Objectives:
To investigate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding interleukin-7 receptor α (IL7RA) as predictors for CD4+ T-cell change after initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in HIV-infected whites.
Design:
SNPs in IL7RA were determined in the Danish HIV Cohort Study.
Methods:
CD4+ T-cell changes were estimated 6 months, 1, 2, and 5 years after initiation of cART in 1683 HIV-infected virally suppressed individuals. Five SNPs in IL7RA were examined as predictors for CD4+ T-cell change in the first (0–6 months after initiation of cART) and second phase (>6 months after initiation of cART) of immune recovery. Univariable and multivariable analyses including age, sex, calendar period, CD4+ nadir, and baseline CD4+ T-cell count and viral load as covariates were performed.
Results:
Individuals carrying two T-alleles in rs6897932 had faster CD4+ T-cell recovery compared with individuals carrying a C-allele in the first phase of immune recovery [mean CD4+ T-cell change, cells/μL (95% confidence interval), in TT: 177 (151–203), CT: 131 (119–143), CC: 141 (132–151), P = 0.018]. No isolated effect of rs6897932 on CD4+ T-cell change was found in the second phase of immune recovery; however, the initial difference in CD4+ T-cell recovery remained during 5 years. The effect was most pronounced in individuals above 40 years of age.
Conclusion:
T-allele homozygosity in rs6897932 is a predictor for faster CD4+ T-cell recovery after initiation of cART in HIV-infected whites, however, only in the first phase of immune recovery.