Localized or systemic in vivo heat inactivation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): a mathematical analysis
Article Abstract:
Whole-body hyperthermia does not appear to be a practical treatment for HIV infection. Hyperthermia involves heating the body to a temperature of at least 42 degrees centigrade for at least 25 minutes. This heating can inactivate approximately 25% of the virus and also destroy actively infected T cells. Researchers used a mathematical model to predict that daily hyperthermia treatments would be needed to lower the population of infected T cells and/or inactivate HIV to an extent sufficient for improvement of immune function. However, treatment would need to continue indefinitely, since it does not completely eradicate HIV from the body. In addition, whole-body hyperthermia must be administered under general anesthesia, making daily treatment unfeasible. Application of heat directly to certain areas of the body may have therapeutic benefit, and should be explored further.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1995
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Blind T-cell homeostasis and the CD4/CD8 ratio in the thymus and peripheral blood
Article Abstract:
A mathematical model has confirmed the blind T-cell homeostasis theory. This theory states that only the total number of T cells is regulated, not the number of T cells in each subset. The theory was based on an experiment in which mice were treated with a monoclonal antibody against CD4 T cells, which caused the number of these cells to drop. However, the number of CD8 T cells rose so that the total number of T cells did not change. The mathematical model confirmed the theory only when the equations supported the regulation of the total number of T cells.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1997
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Role of the thymus in pediatric HIV-1 infection
Article Abstract:
Infection within the thymus gland may act as a viral reservoir in HIV infection and contribute to the rapid progression to AIDS in pediatric patients. Cells within the thymus gland differentiate into CD4+ T-cells, which are critical for immune function and decrease in number as HIV infection progresses to AIDS. Researchers developed a mathematical formula to describe HIV infection in the thymus gland, and determined that viral infection of thymus cells can occur at a higher rate than infection of cells in the bloodstream and other parts of the body.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1998
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