Two approaches using gene therapy to treat HIV infection are likely to enter studies in treatment-experienced individuals within the next year, following results presented this week at the Seventh European Conference on Experimental AIDS Research in Toulon.
According to BioMedNet (free registration required), German and US researchers have reported promising results from two approaches:
- Anti-sense RNA which blocks the HIV gene that codes for the envelope protein gp160 has been shown to enter 90% of target cells and reduce HIV replication in the test tube
- A murine lentivirus vector which codes for a peptide from the envelope protein gp41, allowing human cells to produce the peptide and block the receptors on the surface of target cells used by HIV to gain entry. This would allow the body to produce its own supply of a fusion inhibitor, instead of relying on an externally administered treatment such as T-20. This approach has been shown to reach 50% of target cells, and to reduce HIV replication.
Both approaches will have to undergo further safety tests before they can be administered in humans, but planning for human trials is already underway.
To read more about different approaches to gene therapy in HIV infection, http://www.aidsmap.com/t/afffa072-97b9-408f-800f-4fcd2c2ef4e8.htm”>
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