The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD is now screening for HIV-positive nonprogressors to understand how the immune system controls HIV replication. HIV-positive people who maintain very low plasma viral loads without antiretroviral therapy are being recruited for the NIH study. In long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs), the immune system contains HIV for prolonged periods of time without antiretroviral medication. Immune system-related genes, certain HLA class I alleles, have been identified to be important in these patients.

The NIH studies require larger quantities of plasma and mononuclear cells than can be readily obtained by simple phlebotomy. These components can be easily and safely obtained using leukapheresis procedures in the Clinical Center Apheresis Unit. Some of the blood collected through apheresis will be used for HLA haplotyping and may be stored for future studies of HIV disease and immune function. 

The clinical research project document entitled, "Leukapheresis procedures to obtain plasma or lymphocytes for research studies of HIV-infected patients, including long-term nonprogressors," is provided to CPCRA investigators and includes further details of the screening project being conducted under Mark Connors, MD, at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). 

Eligibility criteria described below are broader than those described in the research project document because patients may be determined to be potentially eligible for additional research projects. Updated information can be found on the NIAID web site. 

Eligibility criteria for this study includes: 

• HIV-1-positive Adult (at least 18 years of age) 

• Stable plasma viral loads =5000 copies/mL for a minimum of 3 years

• CD4 counts =350 cells/ L for a minimum of 3 years

• Return visits to NIH at approximately 6-month intervals 

• Willingness to provide informed consent for HLA testing and the storage of blood or tissue samples 

• Pregnant women

• Antiretroviral therapy (within the previous 3 years) 

Financial compensation is provided for study participants and may be discussed with the Study Coordinator. Patients potentially interested in being screened for study eligibility should contact the Study Coordinator, Mary McLaughlin, RN, BSN, at 800/772-5464, extension 58001.