Treatment of HIV infection by inhibiting Toll-like receptor 7 signaling

• Existing anti-viral drugs focus on suppressing viral activity rather than awakening the host’s immune system;
• Activation of the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) on CD4+ T cells results in down-regulation of immune response known as T-cell anergy;
• Inhibitors of TLR7 reverse T-cell anergy caused by HIV infection, as well as reduce HIV activity in both in vitro and ex vivo systems made of cells from HIV patients;
• In vivo study using a humanized mouse model confirms the efficacy of TLR7 blockade in treating HIV infection; and
• This mechanism should open up a new avenue in the fight against HIV.
• Lead Innovator: David Hafler, M.D.
• US patent issued 6/4/2019, No 10,308,938
• Reference: Dominguez-Villar, M. et al., Nat. Immunol. 2015