Question
How can we stimulate HIV which is hiding in the bone marrow?
22 March 2010. Related: All topics, Cure.
I am wondering about the recent discovery that HIV hides in bone marrow. Would ESAs (erythropoiesis-stimulating agents) possibly help as they stimulate bone marrow in to producing red blood cells?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
HIV can be found in collections of resting CD4 T-cells called reservoirs. These reservoirs can be found in various parts of the body including the bone marrow.
ESAs stimulate the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. CD4 T-cells are white blood cells and so the effect on this resting population found within the one marrow is minimal. The use of ESAs are also associated with increased risk of cancer, blood clots and death. They are not recommended for use in HIV positive people.
There are studies currently looking at targeting HIV which is found in the reservoir of resting CD4 T-cells. As yet no major breakthroughs have occurred. If you are interested please follow this link for more information.
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