A Pilot Study of Allogeneic Lymphocyte Transfer in HIV Infection

There is evidence that periodic infusion of allogeneic lymphocytes obtained from the peripheral blood of HLA-matched HIV-1 seronegative siblings of patients with AIDS can, in some instances, restore the number of circulating CD4+ lymphocytes. However, more controlled studies are needed to better quantitate the immunologic reconstitution seen with this type of therapy. Lymphocytes obtained by leukapheresis from a healthy, HIV-negative parent, sibling, or adult offspring of the HIV-infected patient are infused at day 0 and at weeks 4 and 8. A small portion of the lymphocytes obtained at day 0 will be radiolabeled prior to infusion, and two total body scans will be performed. Patients also undergo two tonsillar biopsies. Patients are followed weekly for 16 weeks, then by telephone periodically for 3 years (at 1 year, 2 years, 2.5 years, and 3 years).