Characteristics of Circulating Immune Complexes in HIV-Infected Patients with Different Viral Load

Serum concentration of antiviral antibodies was measured in HIV-infected patients with different viral load. It was found that higher concentrations of HIV-antigens correspond to higher titer of antiviral antibodies. Circulating immune complexes were isolated from patients' serum to estimate their size and immunoglobulin composition. High levels of small IgG- and IgM-containing complexes were identified in HIV-infected patients. In patients receiving antiretroviral treatment, the content of these complexes was significantly lower than in patients with high HIV load. This attests to positive role of specific therapy in preventing immune complex-associated pathology in HIV patients.