Therapeutic vaccines and immunotherapy revisited.
Imunotherapy to induce long-term, non-progressor status in HIV-1-positive persons may be considered in the context of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The aim of such therapy must be to allow the induction or regeneration of HIV-1-specific immune responses which have the potential to control viraemia, and to alleviate the immunosuppression caused by HIV-1. Trials of therapeutic vaccines and/or cytokines and/or hormones have been conducted and are briefly described. In many cases, potentially beneficial transient HIV-1-specific responses which may translate into clinical advantage have been induced, but these do not persist. Future studies are warranted so that: 1) novel immunogens and other immunotherapeutic agents are further defined and optimised; 2) therapeutic regimens are carefully and rationally designed; and 3) patients are followed for protracted periods of time to observe clinical benefit.
Gotch
Frances
F
Department of Immunology, Imperial College, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK.
D016915:AIDS Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D015195:Drug Design; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology
D016915:AIDS Vaccines; D007376:Interleukin-2; D019444:Vaccines, DNA