Stem cell-derived CAR T cells traffic to HIV reservoirs in macaques

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with CCR5(-) donor cells is the only treatment known to cure HIV-1 in patients with underlying malignancy. This is likely due to a donor cell-mediated graft-versus-host effect targeting HIV reservoirs. Allo-HSCT would not be an acceptable therapy for most people living with HIV due to the transplant-related side effects. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapies specifically traffic to malignant lymphoid tissues (lymphomas) and, in some settings, are able to replace allo-HSCT. Here, we quantified the engraftment of HSC-derived, virus-directed CAR T cells within HIV reservoirs in a macaque model of HIV infection, using potentially novel IHC assays. HSC-derived CAR cells trafficked to and displayed multilineage engraftment within tissue-associated viral reservoirs, persisting for nearly 2 years in lymphoid germinal centers, the brain, and the gastrointestinal tract. Our findings demonstrate that HSC-derived CAR(+) cells reside long-term and proliferate in numerous tissues relevant for HIV infection and cancer.

Automated summary

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with CCR5(-) donor cells is the only known cure for HIV-1 in patients with underlying malignancy, but is not suitable for most HIV patients due to transplant-related side effects. Chimeric antigen receptor immunotherapies may replace allo-HSCT and spread within the patient's body.