[HTML][HTML] Stem cell–derived CAR T cells traffic to HIV reservoirs in macaques

IM Barber-Axthelm, V Barber-Axthelm, KY Sze, A Zhen… - JCI insight, 2021 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
IM Barber-Axthelm, V Barber-Axthelm, KY Sze, A Zhen, GW Suryawanshi, ISY Chen…
JCI insight, 2021ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with CCR5–donor cells is
the only treatment known to cure HIV-1 in patients with underlying malignancy. This is likely
due to a donor cell–mediated graft-versus-host effect targeting HIV reservoirs. Allo-HSCT
would not be an acceptable therapy for most people living with HIV due to the transplant-
related side effects. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapies specifically traffic to
malignant lymphoid tissues (lymphomas) and, in some settings, are able to replace allo …
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with CCR5–donor cells is the only treatment known to cure HIV-1 in patients with underlying malignancy. This is likely due to a donor cell–mediated graft-versus-host effect targeting HIV reservoirs. Allo-HSCT would not be an acceptable therapy for most people living with HIV due to the transplant-related side effects. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapies specifically traffic to malignant lymphoid tissues (lymphomas) and, in some settings, are able to replace allo-HSCT. Here, we quantified the engraftment of HSC-derived, virus-directed CAR T cells within HIV reservoirs in a macaque model of HIV infection, using potentially novel IHC assays. HSC-derived CAR cells trafficked to and displayed multilineage engraftment within tissue-associated viral reservoirs, persisting for nearly 2 years in lymphoid germinal centers, the brain, and the gastrointestinal tract. Our findings demonstrate that HSC-derived CAR+ cells reside long-term and proliferate in numerous tissues relevant for HIV infection and cancer.
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