Therefore, the Leronlimab-induced increase in CCR5+CD4+ T cell targets did not exacerbate ongoing SIV replication; rather, the binding of Leronlimab to the CCR5 co-receptor used for viral entry protected these cells from infection and greatly diminished ongoing SIV replication, resulting in minimal plasma viremia during the period of complete CCR5 RO. This evidence concerns the gene CCR5 and infection.