A Study of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) Therapy in HIV-Infected Patients

Overview

To define the safety of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) generated from sibling-supplied dendritic cells and lymphocytes and infused into an HIV-infected patient. To determine the efficacy of these CTLs in helping the immune system to fight HIV. With lower CD4 counts, HIV-infected patients may not be able to produce dendritic cells and lymphocytes, special types of immune cells that generate HIV-specific CTLs. Infusion of CTLs generated from the dendritic cells and lymphocytes of an HIV-negative sibling may enable the body to recognize HIV more readily and increase immune response against the virus.

With lower CD4 counts, HIV-infected patients may not be able to produce dendritic cells and lymphocytes, special types of immune cells that generate HIV-specific CTLs. Infusion of CTLs generated from the dendritic cells and lymphocytes of an HIV-negative sibling may enable the body to recognize HIV more readily and increase immune response against the virus. Dendritic cells and lymphocytes are obtained from an HIV-negative sibling. HIV-specific CTLs are generated from these cells and then infused into the HIV-infected patient monthly for 6 months. Siblings must be able to donate on multiple occasions, and patients are followed every 2-4 weeks during the study. Patients are screened over 3 months prior to study entry.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)