About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Anti-cancer Immunotherapy to Fight Persistent HIV

by Ramya Rachamanti on February 20, 2019 at 4:46 PM
Font : A-A+

Anti-cancer Immunotherapy to Fight Persistent HIV

Immunotherapy treatment against cancer could reduce the viral load that persists in people on triple therapy, according to the researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM).

In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, they show, in the cells of people living with HIV, how these therapies reveal the virus - until now hidden in the hollows of infected cells - to the immune system.

Advertisement


"We identified the mechanism by which anti-cancer immunotherapy 'awakens' the virus from its hiding places and reduces the size of HIV reservoirs in people on triple therapy.

Although most of our experiments have been performed in vitro, our approach could lead to the development of new therapies," stated Nicolas Chomont, a CRCHUM researcher and Université de Montréal professor.
Advertisement

HIV reservoirs are cells and tissue in which the virus persists despite triple therapy. This treatment prevents the infection from developing into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

To survive and replicate, HIV needs to be hosted in a cell. As a rule, it infects CD4+ T lymphocytes, white blood cells responsible for activating the body's defences against infections.

The virus remains dormant in these cells and builds a reservoir that is controlled, but not eliminated by antiretroviral drugs. The subject of intense study, these reservoir cells are the last hurdle in eradicating the virus and force people living with HIV to take antiretroviral drugs for the rest of their lives.

In 2016, Rémi Fromentin, a research associate in Nicolas Chomont's laboratory, showed that the cells housing the persistent viruses have specific immunological characteristics: three proteins called PD-1, LAG-3 and TIGIT, that are frequently expressed at their surface.

Today these molecules are the target of immunotherapies used to treat cancer. The researchers decided to evaluate the effect of these therapies on HIV reservoirs.

A strategy evaluated in a small number of people with HIV and cancer

"Our results prove that immunotherapies targeting molecules such as PD-1 could reduce the amount of virus persisting in people on triple therapy. One of the next steps would be to combine immunotherapy with molecules that, up to now, have been ineffective in eradicating HIV reservoirs. This combination of immunotherapy and chemical molecules could 'awaken' the virus and help remove the cells infected by HIV," added Chomont.

In this article, Rémi Fromentin and Nicolas Chomont also present data from a patient in Montreal infected with HIV and treated by immunotherapy for a melanoma.

"The size of the patient's HIV reservoirs decreased significantly, which is encouraging. However, we must remain cautious, because this doesn't work with all patients. These treatments also cause considerable side effects," indicated Fromentin. The results of clinical trials currently underway in the United States on patients with cancer and HIV should help guide future research.

Nearly 37 million people around the world live with HIV. Every day, 5,000 cases are reported to global health authorities.



Source: Eurekalert
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest AIDS/HIV News

 HIV Antibody Response Raised in Patients With Tuberculosis Disease
A new study has found that the co-localization of tuberculosis disease and HIV in lymphatic tissues leads to the emergence of potent HIV antibodies.
Exploring the Consistent Outcomes of an Antiviral Drug
Specific antiviral drug that is widely used to treat smallpox patients since last summer's outbreak is found to produce similar outcomes regardless of the patient's HIV status.
Why Is STI and HIV Screening Decreased While Positive Test Results Increase?
In susceptible communities because of poverty, and racism, the effects of inadequate STI and HIV screening may be more profound.
Who Is Responsible for the Blunting of AIDS Epidemic?
In India, annual HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths continue to drop. Between 2010 and 2021, new HIV infections dropped by 46%.
Are Countries Missing on HIV Self-Testing?
Globally, all countries have promised to end AIDS by 2030, for which it is essential to safeguard individuals living with HIV to complete HIV care services.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Anti-cancer Immunotherapy to Fight Persistent HIV Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests