plasmacytoid dendritic cells + inactivated whole autologous HIV

This is an investigational cell-based immunotherapy composed of autologous plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) loaded ex vivo with inactivated whole autologous HIV. The approach aims to harness the potent antigen-presenting and interferon-producing capabilities of pDCs to stimulate robust, HIV-specific immune responses when reintroduced into the patient. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are known for their ability to sense viral infections, produce large amounts of type I interferons, and present antigens to T cells. Loading these cells with inactivated whole autologous HIV allows for presentation of a broad array of viral antigens, potentially inducing both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against the patient's own virus strains. This strategy is being explored as a therapeutic vaccine or immunotherapy for people living with HIV, aiming to enhance immune control over viral replication[3][2]. While similar approaches using monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) loaded with inactivated autologous HIV have been tested clinically—with variable but generally safe outcomes—application specifically using pDCs remains largely preclinical or early clinical.