Adoptive transfer of aminobisphonate-expanded Vγ9Vδ2+ T cells does not control HIV replication in a humanized mouse model.

AIM: Vγ9Vδ2 γδ T cells have effector potential against several cancers and infectious agents. Whether these cells control HIV replication was tested in humanized mouse model.

METHODS: NOD SCID gamma mice engrafted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and infected with HIVBAL were treated with zoledronate-expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells either alone or in combination with an anti-HIV envelope antibody b12.

RESULTS: Severe depletion of CD4+CCR5+ T cells was observed in PBMCs of all infected mice. HIV plasma p24 levels were comparable in all infected groups with no decrease in plasma viremia achieved by adoptive transfer of cells.

CONCLUSION: Autologous transfer of ex vivo expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells may not be a successful treatment choice for controlling HIV replication in vivo.