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[Preprint]. 2024 Oct 18:rs.3.rs-5125826. [Version 1] doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5125826/v1

Figure 1. DNA/RNA and protein assays localize HIV within the coronary arteries and the aorta of PLWH.

Figure 1.

a, Fluorescence intensities depict DNA droplets ddPCR analysis of medium-sized coronary arteries of seven donors with HIV and six without HIV. The blue droplets on the left are positive for HIV LTR DNA, fluorescence intensity versus droplet number in each droplet. This was multiplexed with RNaseP as the housekeeping gene depicted on the right (green). The positive droplet threshold was determined using the no template controls on the same run. b, Violin plots depict differences in HIV viral copies by sample group (left) and PLWH alone, comparing pathologic intimal thickening (PIT)/early to late atheroma. c, Image of HIV detected in coronary arteries using RNAscope probe HIV-Gagpol. d, We stained aorta samples for Immunohistochemistry analysis with anti-HIV p24. e, Fluorescence intensities depict droplets positive for HIV RNA (aorta samples from five PLWH and nine PWoH deceased donors) as measured by qPCR. f, Image of HIV detected in coronary arteries using RNAscope probe HIV-Gagpol. g, Confocal microscopy of the aorta, using an antibody against HIV p24, anti-CD14, anti-CD3, and DAPI. h, Transmission electron microscopy of FFPE blocks combined with immunogold labeling of the 3470 sample shows colocalization of HIV p24 (6nm), CD3 (12nm), and CD14 (18nm). Statistical analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney U test.