Sixth International Congress Drug Therapy in HIV Infection 17-21 November, 2002 Glasgow, UK

The investigation of novel and innovative treatment approaches for long-term management of HIV-infection has intensified due to the growing number of infected individuals worldwide and the constraints of resistance, toxicity and convenience associated with lifelong therapy. Current treatment relies entirely on antiretroviral drugs targeting various stages of the life cycle of HIV, rather than on leveraging the immune system. However, the boosting of HIV-specific immune responses in chronic infection offers a vast potential for synergy with antiretroviral drugs, thereby contributing to durable control of viral replication. We have been developing a novel immunotherapeutic agent, called DermaVir™, that delivers a replication and integration defective SIV/HIV DNA to dendritic cells after topical skin application. DermaVir differs from other vaccine technologies because the DNA is formulated with polyethylenimine-mannose in a glucose solution, specifically designed to transduce Langerhans cells on the surface of the skin. These cells migrate to the lymph node and mature to antigen-expressing dendritic cells, and elicit SIV/HIV-specific T cell immunity. To study the therapeutic effect of DermaVir we conducted two separate studies on chronically SIV₂₅₁-infected rhesus macaques. The monkeys were randomized to receive STI-HAART (3 weeks on HAART & 3 weeks off) and DermaVir. We found that DermaVir induced suppression of viral replication during treatment interruptions even in macaques that had already progressed to AIDS. The control of viral load in the absence of therapy was associated with augmented SIV-specific CD8 and CD4 T cells as measured by interferon-gamma intracellular cytokine assay. DermaVir therapy did not show signs of toxic side effects. The antiviral potency, topical application and infrequent dosing schedule make DermaVir a very attractive treatment option for HIV-infected individuals. Complementing the therapeutic efficacy of HAART with DermaVir immunotherapy could prolong the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs and thereby delay development of drug resistance.

Presenting author: Julianna Lisziewicz

Download Conferences Abstracts

1 Research Institute for Genetic and Human Therapy, Washington, DC, United States

2 Southern Research Institute, Frederick, MD, United States

2002-11-17
PL7-2

Copyright © 2002 - The Gardiner-Caldwell Group, Ltd.. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sixth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, c/o The Gardiner-Caldwell Group Ltd, part of The Thomson Corporation, Peakside House, Alder Court, Tytherington Business Park, Tytherington, Cheshire SK10 2XG, UK - Tel: +44 (0)1625 668000, Fax: +44 (0)1625 668121 Email: hiv6@gardiner-caldwell.com

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor. ©1980, 2005. AEGiS.