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Monash University biomedical scientist contributes to search for HIV/AIDS cure using a novel strategy of the immune system to eliminate infected cells of patients.

Dr. Di Yu of Monash University

National Institutes of Health grant will allow Monash University biomedical scientist Dr. Di Yu to contribute to the search of HIV cure. Head of Laboratory for Molecular Immunomodulation, Dr. Di Yu, received a grant co-funded by the International AIDS Society worth $300,000 over two years.

This grant will allow Dr. Yu to develop a drug, which he co-created with Professor Charles Mackay to boost the immune system and destroy virally infected cells.

"We propose a novel strategy for HIV cure by applying a new antibody to boost the activity of a protein found in human immune cells called Interleukin-21. We hope that by targeting Interleukin-21, we will stimulate an immune response in patients to efficiently eliminate the infected CD+ T cells," said by Dr. Yu, quoted by Monash University.

The project will be mentored by two HIV experts including Monash University Professor Sharon Lewin and Professor Alan Landay from Rush University in the United States.

Interleukin-21

Interleukin-21 or IL-21 is a protein that is encoded by the IL21 gene in humans. It has potent regulatory effects on cells of the immune system including natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells.

Natural Killer Cells (NK): Cells providing rapid responses to virally infected cells and tumour formation.

Cytotoxic T Cells (Killer T Cells): Cells which kill cancer cells, infected cells and damaged cells in other ways.

Interleukin-21 Clinical Relevance

A study was conducted using a mice with peanut allergies showed that systemic treatment of IL-21 was an effective means of minimising hostility of allergic response. This is a strong implication for drug development using IL-21 for controlling both localised and systemic allergies.

A study among 47 melanoma and 19 renal cell carcinoma patients resulted positive which opens clinical trials for Phase 2. In Phase 1, 2 out of 47 melanoma patients showed complete responses while 4 out of 19 with renal cell carcinoma showed partial response. It suggests that IL-21 enhances anti-tumours response.

In viral infection such as HIV, patients have been reported to critically improve the HIV-specific cytotoxic T cell responses (killers against HIV) and natural killer cell functions. HIV patients who produce more IL-21 can control the virus replication without treatment even better than those of individuals with less IL-21.