Answer Key: Quick Questions on Acute HIV-1 Infection
Answer Key
1. Correct Answer: True
Early ART during AHI reduces the size and stability of viral reservoirs, particularly by limiting infection of long-lived CD4+ T-cell subsets. This can promote better immune preservation and may support post-treatment control in some individuals.
Reference: Chéret A. Acute HIV-1 infection: paradigm and singularity. Viruses. 2025;17(3):366. doi:10.3390/v17030366
2. Correct Answer: C. It reflects the size of the viral reservoir
Total HIV-1 DNA measured in PBMCs is a reliable marker for assessing the size of the viral reservoir, which is established rapidly during AHI and is a major determinant of disease progression.
Reference: Chéret A. Acute HIV-1 infection: paradigm and singularity. Viruses. 2025;17(3):366. doi:10.3390/v17030366
3. Correct Answer: False
Neutralizing antibodies usually develop around 12 weeks after infection. The initial immune response includes non-neutralizing antibodies, and early viral control relies more on cellular immunity, particularly CD8+ T cells and cytokine responses.
Reference: Chéret A. Acute HIV-1 infection: paradigm and singularity. Viruses. 2025;17(3):366. doi:10.3390/v17030366