A Study to Evaluate the Ability of TNFR:Fc to Decrease the Amount of IL-6 (Interleukin-6) and TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor) in HIV-Infected Patients

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if TNFR:Fc (a molecule that attaches to TNF) can lower the amount of IL-6 in HIV-positive patients. This study will also examine the effect of TNFR:Fc on TNF-alpha. IL-6 and TNF-alpha are 2 substances produced by the immune system that may increase the rate of HIV replication. IL-6 and TNF-alpha are produced naturally by the body. High levels of TNF-alpha lead to increased IL-6 production and increased HIV replication, therefore helping the virus infect the body. HIV-positive patients who receive IL-2 (interleukin-2, a protein that helps the immune system fight infection) tend to have higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha than patients not receiving IL-2. These increased levels may contribute to some of the flu-like symptoms related to IL-2 administration. TNFR:Fc can neutralize TNF-alpha to decrease the action of TNF-alpha and, in turn, decrease the amount of IL-6 in the body. TNFR:Fc may, therefore, have a role in the treatment of HIV disease or in relieving some of the symptoms related to IL-2 administration.

Timeline

Start

—

Primary completion

—

Completion

2000-06

Publications

• Background Lange CG, Valdez H, Medvik K, Asaad R, Lederman MM. CD4+ T-lymphocyte nadir and the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy on phenotypic and functional immune restoration in HIV-1 infection. Clin Immunol. 2002 Feb;102(2):154-61. doi: 10.1006/clim.2001.5164.
• Background Sha B, Valdez H, Landay A, Gelman R, Namkung A, Agosti J, Bancroft L, Mildvan D, Mitsuyasu R, Pollard R, Ogata-Arakaki D, Kilgo P, Estep S, Fox L, Lederman M. Effect of recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR, etanercept) on interleukin-6 (IL- 6), TNF-a, and markers of immune activation in HIV-infected subjects receiving interleukin-2 (IL-2). 8th Conf Retro and Opportun Infect. 2001 Feb 4-8 (abstract no 66)
• Background Sha BE, Valdez H, Gelman RS, Landay AL, Agosti J, Mitsuyasu R, Pollard RB, Mildvan D, Namkung A, Ogata-Arakaki DM, Fox L, Estep S, Erice A, Kilgo P, Walker RE, Bancroft L, Lederman MM. Effect of etanercept (Enbrel) on interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and markers of immune activation in HIV-infected subjects receiving interleukin 2. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2002 Jun 10;18(9):661-5. doi: 10.1089/088922202760019365.

Drugs

Indications