Tfh Dysfunction in HIV and Aging

Overview

The purpose of this research is to evaluate blood samples from HIV infected and non-HIV infected people to understand how aging and HIV infection affect the immune responses (body defenses against infection) to the flu vaccine.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. For HIV positive participants:
   • HIV infection, as documented by any licensed ELISA test kit. Participants on ART as a result of prior HIV documented infection will not be required to provide proof of diagnosis of HIV infection.
   • Additional criteria for HIV positive
     1. on ART for at least 1 year. Occasional viral blips up to 1000 copies/ml also acceptable provided the patients are on continuing treatment,
     2. Cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count available in the prior 6 months and >200/mm3
     3. Undetectable viral load (< 40 copies/mL). Blips of <1000 copies/mL will be allowed.
2. For HIV negative participants:
   • Documented negative HIV test at the time of study entry, either by any licensed ELISA.
3. For all participants:
   1. Individuals age: ≤35 years and ≥65 years.
   2. No history of other immunodeficiency disorders
   3. Not on steroid or other immunosuppressive/immunomodulators medications.
   4. No active malignancies.
   5. Agreeable to receive both regular standard (STD-TIV) and high dose (HD-TIV) influenza vaccination.
   6. Agreeable to participate in study for a complete course of study full visits including 2 consecutive flu seasons.
   7. Able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

1. Contraindication to receive influenza vaccination.
2. Non-adherence to ART for HIV positive
3. Unable to provide informed consent.
4. Influenza vaccination already given during the current vaccination season.
5. Known drug abuse including cocaine by history