Methods for treatment of HIV and other infections using a T cell or viral activator and anti-retroviral combination therapy

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for treating infection with a pathogen. The method involves administration of: (1) a substance which induces active pathogen replication in a cell latently infected with HIV and (2) an anti-pathogen drug. Also disclosed are methods for expanding CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from human subjects in the presence of an antiretroviral drug and for treating HIV infection by infusing the expanded CD4+ cells into HIV-infected patients.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and other infections. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] HIV infection leads to progressive deterioration of the immune system in most infected subjects. This infection frequently leads to an immune system dysfunction which may culminate in AIDS, a syndrome characterized by the development of opportunistic infections and cancer (Levy, 1993, Microbiol. Rev., 57:183-289). Cells infected with HIV include, e.g., CD4+ T cells, macrophages / monocytes, dendritic cells, and glial cells. The immune system in late stages of AIDS is severely compromised due to loss or dysfunction of CD4+ T cells (Shearer et al., 1991, AIDS, 5:245-53), macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells. (Rosenberg et al., 1989, Adv. Immunol., 46:377). [0003] Anti-retroviral drugs, such as reverse transcriptase inhibitors, viral protease inhibitors, and viral entry inhibitors have been used to treat HIV i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This method effectively reduces the reservoir of latently infected cells by activating and eliminating infected cells, preventing new infections and reducing the need for prolonged treatment, while minimizing the emergence of drug-resistant strains.

Problems solved by technology

HIV infection leads to progressive deterioration of the immune system in most infected subjects.

They are generally far less effective in eliminating latent virus from infected cells.

This poses significant difficulties.

HAART regimens have many side effects, are difficult to comply with, and are expensive.

Moreover, prolonged treatment with these drugs often leads to the emergence of drug resistant viral strains (Larder et al., 1989, Science, 246:1155-8; Kellam et al., 1992, Proc.

Unfortunately, while active infection can often be contained by therapy, it is difficult or impossible to attack latent pathogen.

These drugs interfere with viral replication, but they generally cannot attack latent virus.

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