A MATHEMATICAL-MODEL AND CD4(-INFECTION() LYMPHOCYTE DYNAMICS IN HIV)

The paper presents a model of CD4(+) lymphocyte dynamics in HIV-infect ed persons. The model incorporates a feedback mechanism regulating the production of T lymphocytes and simulates the dynamics of CD8(+) lymp hocytes, whose production is assumed to be closely linked to that of C D4(+) cells. Because CD4(+) lymphocyte counts are a good prognostic in dicator of HIV infection, the model was used to simulate such therapeu tic interventions as chemotherapy and active and passive immunization. The model also simulated the therapeutic administration of anti-CD8 a ntibodies; this intervention was assumed to activate T-cell production by activating a feedback mechanism blocked by the high numbers of CD8 (+) lymphocytes present in HIV-infected persons. The character and imp lications of the model are discussed in the context of other mathemati cal models used in HIV infection.