Long-term immunotherapy in HIV infection, combined with short-term antiretroviral treatment

Forty asymptomatic I-W-infected individuals with CD4+ lymphocyte levels abo ve 400 x 10(6)/l were immunized over 5 years with recombinant envelope glyc oprotein gp160 (rgp160). After 5 years there was a trend towards more nonpr ogressors in the immunized group as compared to the matched controls. Since immunizations could activate HIV, the first 6 immunizations were followed by 2 weeks of zidovudine or placebo, double-blind. The viral load did not c hange during the first 6 months and was not different from that of the matc hed controls after 5 years. The best effect on CD4+ lymphocyte development was seen in individuals with a high viral load randomized to rgp160 + zidov udine and in individuals with a low viral load randomized to rgp160 + place bo. We conclude that rgp160 is safe and results in temporarily improved CD4 + development. Concomitant antiviral treatment might be of benefit, especia lly in patients with a more advanced disease and can today be given with mo re effective combinations.