Evaluation of the immunological response to HIV-Nef antigen among HIV positive clients in Anambra state Nigeria: A pilot study

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a global public health challenge that has resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. Despite the introduction of the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) regimen, which has significantly improved the life expectancy of HIV-positive individuals, there is still no cure for this disease. Therefore, alternative treatment approaches are urgently needed to address the unmet medical needs of HIV patients. Our pilot study aims to assess the formation of naturally occurring HIV-specific Nef antibodies among HIV-positive clients. This study was carried out in two hospitals in Anambra State, accredited for the management of people living with HIV (PLWH). After the issuance of the ethical approval, a total of 16 HIV-positive clients were recruited, blood samples were withdrawn with consent and subsequently subjected to ELISA for the detection of HIV-specific Nef antibodies. R version 4.3.2 was utilized for the analysis. The mean age of participants was 40 years with more female participants recruited for the study. HIV-specific Nef natural antibodies were detected in 87.5% of these participants. IgG and IgM were the most prevalent (31%) and IgG1 was the least prevalent (19%). Amongst the demographic and clinical information retrieved, none showed any association with HIV-positive clients who possessed these antibodies. This pilot study provides preliminary evidence for the development of HIV accessory protein antibodies in HIV-positive clients in Anambra State, Nigeria.