PLoS Medicine: Targeting α therapy can effectively help eliminate the ability of HIV-infected cells

Α targeted therapies possible to selectively eliminate HIV-infected cells in the central nervous system. Studies have shown that specific human antibody labeled with α emitter bismuth --213 can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and selectively target and destroy HIV-infected cells while preserving healthy cells uninfected. These findings may open up a new option for the treatment of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

In vitro studies with scientific articles as the foundation, under the direction of various research institutions, including the New York Einstein College of Medicine and the Joint Research Centre. It shows the new α emitter radiopharmaceutical without damage to simulate human blood-brain barrier can penetrate it, and then selectively bind and kill located nervous system in HIV-infected cells. Especially in human tissue its high energy and short path length, which is based on the unique physical characteristics of α radiation selectively kill diseased cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

Antiretroviral combination therapy (cART) for HIV-positive patients can survive longer. But the body of the virus reservoir sac still exist and continue to cause damage. In particular the treatment of central nervous system infection is more difficult, because the blood-brain barrier limited the treatment of a number of anti-viral drugs in combination therapy. Currently, about half of HIV-infected patients with mild to moderate neurological disorders.

The study was supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Einstein College of Medicine and the Joint Research Centre has been working for a decade, aimed at the joint development of common bacterial, fungal and viral infections, targeting α therapies including HIV.