The effect of anti-neoplastic drugs on murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Article Abstract:

Murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) is a disorder in mice that has several similarities to AIDS: abnormal white cell functions, tumors of lymphoid organs, and vulnerability to infections. The disease is induced by a defective retrovirus, viruses that can transcribe RNA into DNA. Although infected mice are immunodeficient, this does not appear to depend on viral replication. Rather, the virus is capable of inducing cell proliferation (tumors) in infected mice, an example of a malignancy associated with immunodeficiency. To learn more concerning the relationship between these two pathological conditions, mice were treated with chemotherapeutic agents (normally used against malignancy), beginning at different intervals after they were infected with the defective retrovirus. The mice were then evaluated for the development of MAIDS. The results showed a positive effect on the immunodeficiency syndrome from the anti-neoplastic drugs; some immune functions were restored. In particular, cyclophosphamide, which is also an immunosuppressive drug, seemed to halt the course of the disease. This was evidenced by anatomic analyses of spleen histology and analyses of proviral DNA (DNA from the viral precursor) in spleen cells. It is likely that these chemotherapeutic effects are a result of the killing of actively proliferating cells, following the induction of proliferation by the retrovirus. These observations fit with an analysis of MAIDS, which explains the disease process as a result of the expansion of this cell population, which, in turn, leads to immunodeficiency. One implication of the results is that similar treatments could be effective against AIDS if proliferation of a population of cells is characteristic of the disorder. Additional knowledge concerning the origin of AIDS is essential to evaluate this possibility. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Models, Physiological aspects, Immunological deficiency syndromes, Immunologic deficiency syndromes, Mouse leukemia viruses

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Reexamining AIDS research priorities

Article Abstract:

The NIH Office of AIDS Research recognizes that insufficient knowledge of the HIV infection process is responsible for the impasse in therapeutics research, and aims to refocus on basic research. It will give more grants to independent, undirected research. Research opportunities are outlined.

Planning, Research grants, Research funding, United States. National Institutes of Health

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AIDS 1993: unanswered questions

Article Abstract:

Basic research is still needed to answer fundamental questions about AIDS. Finding the cure for AIDS will require creativity, trust and cooperation among researchers, industry, government and individuals.

Editorial

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