P18-14 LB. Vacc-4x HIV p24-like peptide vaccine-associated increase of CD4 T-cells in chronically infected HIV-1 patients on antiretroviral therapy
Background Since its implementation more than a decade ago combination Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has had a dramatic effect on HIV-1 induced mortality and morbidity. However, 15-20% of the patients initiating ART do not regain CD4 T-cells despite an effective suppression of HIV1mRNA levels in blood. The incomplete therapeutic effect leaves these patients at elevated risk of disease complications and death. Attempts to reduce clinical events through IL-2 induced stimulation of CD4 T-cells in the ESPRIT and SILCAAT studies have not proven to be successful. Until further research has given better opportunities for a successful direct induction of functional CD4 cells a logical alternative may be to increase CD4 counts indirectly by improving anti-HIV effect while on ART using antigen-specific immune stimulation with an effective HIV-vaccine.