Using the Drug Thalidomide to Stimulate T Cells in HIV-Infected People

Summary

Despite treatment with anti-HIV drugs, people infected with HIV continue to have problems with their immune systems. This study will evaluate whether the drug thalidomide, which stimulates the immune system's T cells, can improve immune system function in people with HIV.

Timeline

Start

2001-04

Primary completion

2005-08

Completion

2006-02

Publications

• Background Haslett PA, Hanekom WA, Muller G, Kaplan G. Thalidomide and a thalidomide analogue drug costimulate virus-specific CD8+ T cells in vitro. J Infect Dis. 2003 Mar 15;187(6):946-55. doi: 10.1086/368126. Epub 2003 Mar 6.
• Background Haslett PA, Klausner JD, Makonkawkeyoon S, Moreira A, Metatratip P, Boyle B, Kunachiwa W, Maneekarn N, Vongchan P, Corral LG, Elbeik T, Shen Z, Kaplan G. Thalidomide stimulates T cell responses and interleukin 12 production in HIV-infected patients. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 1999 Sep 1;15(13):1169-79. doi: 10.1089/088922299310269.
• Background Matthews SJ, McCoy C. Thalidomide: a review of approved and investigational uses. Clin Ther. 2003 Feb;25(2):342-95. doi: 10.1016/s0149-2918(03)80085-1.

Drugs

Indications