CD169 expression of CD14+ monocyte as a biomarker in the early infection of HIV-1

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated a strong association between CD169 and HIV-1 infection, showing significant elevation of CD169 during infection and viral replication. This study aimed to investigate whether CD169 could serve as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of HIV-1 infection. METHODS: We recruited patients with acute people with HIV(PWH), ART-treated PWH and HIV-1 negative volunteers. Clinical data and peripheral blood samples were collected. CD169 expression on CD14+ monocytes was detected by flow cytometry, and soluble CD169 in plasma was assayed to investigate its relationship with HIV-1 infection and disease progression. RESULTS: Our study detected a high proportion of CD169+CD14+ monocytes in individuals with acute PWH. Furthermore, we observed that CD169 expression levels were elevated in PWH who had stopped taking their medication. CONCLUSION: The discovery of CD169 expression in CD14+ monocytes as a biomarker for early HIV-1 infection or AIDS diagnosis offers new possibilities for early intervention and treatment, potentially improving clinical outcomes for PWH. CLINICAL TRIAL: Not applicable.