Another Step Toward Eliminating HIV Infection?

In two patients, allogeneic stem-cell transplantation under the cover of ART produced sustained reduction of HIV reservoirs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

The challenges of lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) led to the prioritization of research toward eradication of HIV infection or interventions that could result in a drug-free remission. This effort was catalyzed by the unique case of the Berlin patient, who appears cured of HIV by two stem-cell transplants with HIV-resistant, CCR5Δ32/Δ32 cells (N Engl J Med 2009; 360:692).

Now, researchers report on two patients with long-term reduction in peripheral blood HIV reservoirs following reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. Of note, these patients continued ART throughout their treatment and received cells that were not HIV resistant. However, HIV DNA and RNA were undetectable in their peripheral blood mononucle…

Reviewing Author

David Margolis, MD

Another Step Toward Eliminating HIV Infection?

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Reviewing Author