Beyond Protection: The Cytotoxic Effect of Anti-Tat Antibodies in People Living with HIV

Although ART leads to viral suppression, people living with HIV (PLWH) still face an increased risk of comorbidities, such as cancer. The HIV-1 Tat protein may contribute to the promotion of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and genomic instability. While the presence of anti-Tat antibodies has been associated with slower disease progression, their potential role in modulating DNA damage remains unclear. Assess the effect of anti-Tat antibodies on cytotoxic and DNA damage in PLWH. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 178 PLWH. Serum anti-Tat IgG antibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytotoxicity and DNA damage were assessed via serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and nuclear anomalies (Micronucleus cytome assay) in 2000 buccal cells. Statistical significance was considered at <i>p</i> < 0.05. Anti-Tat antibodies were found in 24.2% of participants. Positive individuals had lower CD4+ T cell counts (<i>p</i> = 0.045) and higher levels of pyknosis (<i>p</i> = 0.0001). No differences in 8-OHdG were found, but 8-OHdG correlated positively with CD4+ counts (rho = 0.334, <i>p</i> = 0.006). Pyknosis negatively correlated with CD4+ counts (rho = -0.272, <i>p</i> = 0.027). Anti-Tat antibodies may not prevent DNA damage but could be related to cytotoxic effects in PLWH.