anti-HIV CAR T-cells

Anti-HIV CAR T-cells are an investigational cell therapy designed to target and eliminate cells infected with HIV-1. These chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells are engineered to recognize the HIV-1 Envelope (Env) protein, which is expressed on the surface of infected cells. Research, such as that conducted at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, investigates the antigen density thresholds required for these cells to effectively proliferate and exert cytotoxic effects. Studies have shown that anti-HIV CAR T-cells may be less potent than CARs targeting B-cell malignancies (e.g., CD20), potentially due to the low density of Env on the surface of latently infected cells or intrinsic toxicity of the viral protein. This modality aims to provide a functional cure for HIV by targeting the viral reservoir that persists despite antiretroviral therapy (ART).