MATHEMATICAL-MODELING OF HIV-INFECTION THERAPY

The previously developed mathematical model simulates the CD4(+) lymph ocyte dynamics in HIV infection very well. As the number of these cell s is a good indicator of the infection progression, it was used to eva luate the effectiveness of different therapeutic interventions. For ch emotherapy simulation, both permanent and temporary zinovudine (AZT) a dministration were considered and the induced return of the CD4(+) lym phocyte counts was analysed. Similar analysis was performed for active and passive immunotherapy. The model offers also the possibility of s timulating the CD4(+) dynamics after depletion of CD8(+) lymphocytes b y antibodies. Even one simulated administration of anti-CD8 antibodies increases the CD4(+) lymphocyte counts and prolongs the survival of t he patient. However, if cells involved in protective immunity are assu med to belong to the CD8(+) category, anti-CD8 antibodies accelerate t he decrease of CD4(+) cells and thus shorten the patient's survival.