An international team of experts confirmed that the "London patient" has indeed completely recovered from HIV infection, becoming the second person to get rid of the virus. The survey results are published in The Lancet.
The researchers analyzed data collected over 30 months after stem cell therapy. Samples of plasma, semen and cerebrospinal fluid were taken. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) was used to detect HIV-1 proviral DNA (embedded in the host genome). In addition, the scientists used the method of intracellular staining of cytokines to detect HIV-specific immune response.
Scientists confirmed that the viral load, that is, the number of viruses in a given volume of body fluid, remained undetectable, with a detection limit of one viral particle per milliliter. HIV-specific immune responses were also not observed, and the DNA test results were negative.
The man was initially treated for progressive lymphoma, which is common in people with HIV. Doctors transplanted hematopoietic (hematopoietic) stem cells from a donor who had a mutation in the gene encoding the CCR5 adhesion protein. This compound is found on the surface of white blood cells - T cells - and binds to specific molecules, sending signals into the cell. Mutations in CCR5 prevent HIV from attaching to the membrane, making it impossible for the virus to enter the body.
The first patient to recover from HIV infection was Timothy Ray Brown, or "Berlin Patient," who underwent a procedure in 2007 to treat leukemia.
