Immune-Based Therapy Study Underway

A front page story in the San Francisco Chronicle on April 7, 2006, reported a potential new anti-HIV therapy. A study underway in Los Angeles, Stanford, and Sydney is evaluating an immune-based strategy utilizing an enzyme, called a ribozyme, which is engineered to destroy genes that HIV needs for replication. Stem cells harvested from the blood are inoculated with a harmless mouse virus that carries the ribozyme gene. When the inoculated stem cells are returned to the bloodstream, they produce white blood cells--including T cells--that now manufacture HIV-destroying ribozymes.

Participant Michael DeLane reports that his T cell count has doubled, his viral load is undetectable, and he has been off antiretrovirals for one year. Although DeLane is not certain whether he received the modified stem cells or a placebo, other study participants have reported similar experiences. Final results of the study are expected in February of 2007.