Case Report of HIV DNA Reduction After Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of many cancers. Because viral clearance may be augmented by improving T-cell function, researchers are exploring whether checkpoint inhibitor antibodies have a role in reducing the HIV reservoir. Now, a well-publicized case report purports to support this prospect.

An HIV-infected man on antiretroviral therapy received multiple doses of nivolumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody for treatment of relapsed lung cancer. During the antibody treatment, his plasma HIV RNA level increased from <20 copies/mL to 101 copies/mL; this rise was interpreted as possibly reflecting induction of HIV expression. He also had an expansion in the frequency of HIV-specific CD8 cells. Coincident with this increase in …