Daily Use of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Increases HIV-specific T cell Responses and Interferon-producing CD8 T Cell Responses in Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy

Researchers at Imperial and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, UK administered concomitant daily administration of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy with effective ART in chronic HIV patients in an attempt to reconstitute HIV-1-specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses. While viral load and CD4 and CD8 T cell counts remained unchanged, T cell maturation and differentiation were significantly enhanced.

The investigators conclude that this type of immune-based therapy “results in a dose-dependent reversal of both the CD4 and the CD8 T lymphocyte dysfunction commonly observed in HIV-1⁺ patients.”

Link to abstract from the 13^th CROI:

N Imami and others. Effects of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone on HIV-1-specific T Cell Responses, Thymic Output and Proviral DNA in Patients on ART: 48-Week Follow-up. 13^th CROI. February 5-8, 2006. Denver, CO. Abstract 495.