Engineered T-Cells take on HIV in early trial
NCT ID NCT03617198
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 28, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This early-stage study tests a new approach to HIV treatment. Researchers take a person's own T-cells, modify them to better recognize and attack HIV, and infuse them back. The main goal is to check safety in 12 stable HIV patients, while also seeing if the modified cells can help control the virus.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- genetically modified T-cells (CD4 CAR+CCR5 ZFN T-cells)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a way to control HIV without daily medication, by training the immune system to attack infected cells.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small safety trial with only 12 people. The modified cells may not work as hoped, and there are risks of side effects from the cell infusion.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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12 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jul 2019
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * HIV-1 infection * Clinically stable on first or second HAART regimen * Screening CD4+ T cell count of ≥450 cells/mm3 within 30 days of enrollment; and a documented CD4 nadir of not lower than 200 cells/mm3 * Screening HIV-1 RNA that is ≤50 copies/mL within 30 days prior to enrollment * HIV-1 RNA ≤50 copies/mL for at least 24 weeks prior to enrollment * Adequate venous access and no other contraindications for leukapheresis * Laboratory values within certain parameters, obtained within 30 days prior to enrollment * Willing to comply with study-mandated evaluations * Male or female, 18 years of age or older * Ability and willingness to provide informed consent * Karnofsky Performance Score of 70 or higher * Negative HBsAg (hepatitis B) within 6 months prior to enrollment * Negative HCV (hepatitis C) serology, or if positive, negative HCV RNA within 6 months prior to enrollment * Have a recorded viral load set point prior to starting antiretroviral therapy Exclusion Criteria: * Acute or chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection * Current or prior AIDS diagnosis * History of cancer or malignancy, with the exception of successfully treated basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin * History or any features on physical examination indicative of active or unstable cardiac disease or hemodynamic instability (subjects with a history of cardiac disease may participate with a physician's approval) * History or any features of physical examination indicative of bleeding diathesis * Have been previously treated with any HIV experimental vaccine within 6 months prior to screening, or any previous gene therapy using an integrating vector (subjects treated with placebo in an HIV vaccine study will not be excluded if documentation that they received placebo is provided) * Use of chronic systemic corticosteroids, hydroxyurea, or immunomodulating agents within 30 days prior to enrollment (recent or current use of inhaled steroids is not exclusionary) * Breast-feeding, pregnant, or unwilling to use acceptable methods of birth control * Anticipated use of aspirin, dipyridamole, warfarin, or any other medication that is likely to affect platelet function or other aspects of blood coagulation during the 2 week period prior to leukapheresis * Active drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements * Serious illness requiring systemic treatment and/or hospitalization within 30 days prior to the study screening visit * Receipt of vaccination within 30 days prior to study screening visit * Have an allergy to hypersensitivity to study product components (human serum albumin, DMSO and Dextran 40) * Currently taking a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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