Today at 3pm EDT Jon Cohen is hosting a live chat on the Science Magazine website discussing the reinvigoration of the research effort to cure HIV/AIDS. Participants include NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, Steve Deeks from UCSF and David Margolis from the University of North Carolina. A collection of resources on cure-related research, including links to articles and clinical trials, is available on TAG's website. The new issue of POZ magazine also features an interview with Timothy Brown, the first individual considered to have been cured of HIV, and the latest scientific update on his case has just appeared in the journal Scientific World.
Scientific World Journal. 2011 May 5;11:1068-76.
Eradication of HIV by Transplantation of CCR5-Deficient Hematopoietic Stem Cells.
Hütter G, Ganepola S.
Abstract
Today, 30 years after the onset of the HIV pandemic, although treatment strategies have considerably improved, there is still no cure for the disease. Recently, we described a successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in an HIV-1-infected patient, transferring donor-derived cells with a natural resistance against HIV infection. These hematopoietic stem cells engrafted, proliferated, and differentiated into mature myeloid and lymphoid cells. To date, the patient has not required any antiretroviral treatment, more than 4 years after allogeneic transplantation. In the analysis of peripheral blood cells and different tissue samples, including gut, liver, and brain, no viral load or proviral DNA could be detected. Our report raises the hope for further targeted treatment strategies against HIV and represents a successful personalized treatment with allogeneic stem cells carrying a beneficial gene. However, this case has ignited a controversy regarding the question of whether this patient has achieved complete eradication of HIV or not. Here we give an update on open questions, unsolved aspects, and clinical consequences concerning this unique case.
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