Passive immunization in ARC and AIDS.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
AIDS-Related Complex↗
Biomedical subjects
N Byron
Publications and source records attributed to N Byron.
Polymerase chain reaction evidence for human immunodeficiency virus 1 neutralization by passive immunization in patients with AIDS and AIDS-related complex.
We tried to assess the long-term safety and potential efficacy of passive immunization in AIDS-related-complex (ARC) and AIDS patients. We also wanted to establish whether hyperimmune plasma from healthy human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals clears the cell-free virus from circulation. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we were able to provide conclusive evidence that hyperimmune plasma is effective and maintains long-term neutralization of viremia. Using the cell test, we found that in most patients the total antibody level was maintained; in one of the ARC patients, it actually increased 8-fold and has remained at that level for nearly 2 years. The CD4+ cell count decreased in the AIDS patients but was stable in the ARC patient. Clinically, there was an initial improvement in all patients, but five of six of the advanced/terminal AIDS patients had died by month 17. Our studies suggest that passive immunization may be safe in ARC and AIDS patients. It reduces HIV-1 viremia to levels undetectable even by PCR. To advanced/terminal patients, the benefit is of limited duration, while to ARC patients it may be long-term. Therefore, passive immunization should start early in the disease.
AIDS-Related Complex↗
Effects of passive immunization in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is usually followed by a vigorous immune response that temporarily protects against disease progression. After a variable asymptomatic period, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related complex (ARC) and AIDS develop in most infected individuals. We have demonstrated that healthy HIV-1-infected individuals have neutralizing antibodies and a high titer of antiviral antibodies. In contrast, AIDS patients have undetectable levels of neutralizing antibodies, low titers of antiviral antibodies, and, frequently, HIV p24 antigenemia. These observations prompted us to attempt passive immunization in ARC and AIDS patients. Ten consistently viral-antigen-positive patients (mean, greater than 6 months) were treated, resulting in sustained clearance of p24 antigen. Patients either maintained or increased their antiviral antibody titers. The raised titers result from increased antibody synthesis by the recipients. Circulating CD4+ cell counts were unchanged after 2 months. By the third month none of these patients remained in hospital. As this treatment was of minimal toxicity, it merits wider evaluation in ARC and AIDS patients.
AIDS-Related Complex↗