The HIV-specific cytotoxic
T lymphocyte (CTL) response is a critical component in controlling HIV replication and is an important part of the ultimate failure to eradicate the
virus. Disclosed herein are methods for genetically enhancing the HIV-specific CTL response to allow long-term viral suppression or viral clearance. Human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were genetically modified such that they differentiate into mature CTLs that will kill
HIV infected cells. As disclosed herein, the functional
effector cells are not
human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted. As disclosed herein, stem cells are transduced with non-HLA restricted chimeric
antigen receptors (CARs) that allow the recognition of HIV or HIV-infected cells when expressed by a CTL. These CARs are
hybrid molecules that contain an
extracellular HIV recognition domain and an
intracellular TCR-zeta signaling domain. The CTL response may be enhanced through the targeting of
T cell inhibitory receptors. The methods and compositions disclosed herein may be used to engineer antiviral
immunity and HIV-specific CTL responses
in vivo. Also disclosed herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of chronic viral infections such as HIV.