The immunomodulatory effects of thalidomide on human immunodeficiency virus-infected children.
The safety and immune effects of low-dose thalidomide treatment (3 mg/kg/day for 28 days) were evaluated in a study involving 8 South African human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. The children were 7-69 months old and in disease stages A1-C3. Thalidomide therapy did not affect virus load, even though none of the children was receiving antiretroviral therapy. Thalidomide stimulated CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood, which increased expression of the activation markers CD38 and human leukocyte antigen DR and of the memory cell marker CD45RO. The frequency of HIV gag-specific CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood increased in 3 of 4 children who were evaluated during treatment with thalidomide. Clinical adverse events were mild. In this study, thalidomide was found to be safe and well tolerated and caused significant immunomodulation at a low dose. This is the first report describing use of an oral drug that may enhance HIV-specific CD8+ T cell function in HIV-infected children.
Hanekom
W A
WA
Laboratory of Cellular Physiology and Immunology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave., New York, NY 10021, USA. hanekow@rockefeller.edu
Hughes
J
J
Haslett
P A
PA
Apolles
P
P
Ganiso
V
V
Allin
R
R
Goddard
E
E
Hussey
G D
GD
Kaplan
G
G
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019562:Viral Load
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D013792:Thalidomide