Cell-free RNA reveals host and microbial correlates of broadly neutralizing antibody development against HIV
An effective broadly reactive antibody response is crucial to prevent viral infections. A small number of people living with HIV (PLWH) develop broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) targeting multiple HIV strains. We performed combined cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cell-free RNA (cfRNA) sequencing in 42 plasma samples from a longitudinal cohort of 14 PLWH, of whom 7 developed bNAbs and 7 matched controls. cfRNA profiling revealed early immune activation signatures and distinct microbial associations linked to bNAb development.