Pomalidomide enhances CD8 T and NK cell mediated killing of HIV-infected cells

Abstract

Background: Overcoming persisting immune dysfunction in people living with HIV (PLHIV) on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a key challenge to curing HIV. Agents that reverse immune dysfunction may enhance viral immunity to support the immunological control and clearance of persisting HIV as part of curative strategies. Here, we investigated pomalidomide, a well-tolerated immunomodulatory drug, as an agent to enhance HIV-directed immune responses. Methods: We collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from PLHIV on ART, cultured cells in the presence of HIV peptides and pomalidomide or DMSO control, and profiled the proliferative and cytotoxic functionality, and transcript..