Interferon decreases HIV-1 levels, controls virus after stopping antiretroviral therapy

A multi-institutional team of researchers led by The Wistar Institute has announced a clinical trial showing the immune system can fight HIV infection if given the right boost. In the study, HIV-infected volunteers suspended daily antiretroviral therapy to receive weekly doses of interferon-alpha, an antiviral chemical produced by the immune system. The study provides the first clinical evidence for a means of reducing the persistent amount of HIV in patients and the ability to control HIV without continued antiretroviral therapy. "Our data shows that our human immune response can be made to control HIV in persons who have otherwise lost that ability and, if sustained by natural interferon production, it establishes proof-of-concept that a functional cure is theoretically possible," said Wistar's Luis J. Montaner. "And while we still have much to pursue with this early clinical finding, I firmly believe this gives us hope that one day we can control -- and eventually eradicate -- HIV."