Chronic immune activation is a major challenge in treating HIV/SIV infection. This is because it can lead to a decline in CD4+ T cells, which are essential for fighting infection. However, a new drug called LLDT-8 has shown promise in reducing chronic immune activation.
LLDT-8 is a small molecule that has been shown to be effective in treating SIV infection in rhesus monkeys. It works by blocking the activity of a protein called STAT3, which is involved in immune activation. In a recent study, LLDT-8 was found to reduce the percentage of HLA-DR+CD38+CD8+ T cells in SIV-infected rhesus monkeys. This is a type of T cell that is associated with chronic immune activation.
LLDT-8 has also been shown to be effective in inhibiting proliferation, activation, exhaustion, and IFN-γ production in human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This suggests that it may be effective in treating HIV infection
in humans.
LLDT-8 is a promising new drug for treating chronic immune activation in HIV/SIV infection. Further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy in humans.