USE OF A MATHEMATICAL-MODEL FOR EFFECTIVITY ESTIMATION OF HIV-INFECTION THERAPIES

The previously developed mathematical model simulates the CD4(+) lymph ocyte dynamics in HIV infection considerably well. As the number of th ese cells is a good indicator of the infection progression, it was use d to evaluate the effectivity of different therapeutic interventions. For chemotherapy simulation, both permanent and temporary AZT administ ration was considered and the induced return of the CD4(+) lymphocyte counts was analyzed. Similar analysis was performed for active and pas sive immunotherapy. The model offers also the possibility of simulatin g the CD4(+) dynamics after depletion of CD8(+) lymphocytes by antibod ies. Even one simulated administration of anti-CD8 antibodies increase s the CD4(+) lymphocyte counts and prolongs the patient survival. Howe ver, if cells involved in protective immunity are assumed to belong to the CD8(+) category; anti-CD8 antibodies accelerate the decrease of C D4(+) cells and thus shorten the patient survival.