7th International AIDS Society Conference, Kuala Lumpur, June 2013:
Though most studies of HIV eradication have focused on CD4+ T cells, a new study of a therapy called BIT225 has found a reduction in HIV levels in monocyte cells, which help replenish the architecture of lymph nodes and other sanctuary sites where HIV might hide out and build the innate immune response to toxins and pathogens.
A new product from Biotron, BIT225 disrupts the “Viral Protein Unique” (Vpu) of HIV, which helps with the ultimate reproduction and assembly of HIV-infected cells. BIT225 in healthy HIV-positive study volunteers resulted in moderately lower levels of HIV in monocytes compared to those who took a placebo.
A fair amount of those in the BIT224 group stopped treatment due to headaches and nausea. Some experts have posited that macrophages that derive from monocytes will result in an important reservoir of hidden HIV that must be eliminated to make good on cure strategies. This would be one of the first strategies to confront this important potential reservoir of HIV infection.