Autologous T-cell vaccination for HIV-seropositive patients: A phase I clinical trial

T-cells isolated from HIV-1 seropositive patients were significantly more r esponsive to recombinant CD4 (rCD4) compared to T-cells of normal healthy s eronegative donors. From these patients, we isolated rCD4 specific T-cells that were involved in the killing of autologous CD4+ cells. Assuming that t hese anti-CD4 autoreactive T-cells were involved in the autoimmune process in these patients, we designed a T-cell vaccination (TCV) protocol. We used attenuated autologous rCD4 specific T-cells as vaccines for treating HIV-1 patients. Immune responses induced were specifically against the T-cells a ttacking the patients' CD4+ T-cells. In our phase I protocol, autologous rC D4 specific T-cells were administered to seven patients, The protocol was f easible with no toxicity. This protocol offers a new approach for the treat ment of HIV infection.