Immune response against SARS-CoV-2 in people with HIV convalescing from COVID-19

Abstract

Since the beginning of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the course of COVID-19 in people with HIV has been debated. On the one hand, the immunodeficiency derived from HIV infection and the higher prevalence of comorbidities would be associated with severe disease. On the other hand, due to its immunological dysfunction, an exacerbated inflammatory response might be avoided.

In this review, we analyzed the evidence regarding the clinical manifestation of COVID-19 and the humoral and cellular immune response against SARS-CoV-2 during HIV coinfection. The literature suggests that people with HIV on antiretroviral treatment achieved effective responses against SARS-CoV-2, despite having altered cell functions. This indicates a remarkable impact of antiretroviral therapy, not only in controlling HIV but also in boosting immunity to restrict other infections.