Latency reversal plus natural killer cells diminish HIV reservoir in vivo

HIV is difficult to eradicate due to the persistence of a long-lived reservoir of latently infected cells. Previous studies have shown that natural killer cells are important to inhibiting HIV infection, but it is unclear whether the administration of natural killer cells can reduce rebound viremia when anti-retroviral therapy is discontinued. Here we show the administration of allogeneic human peripheral blood natural killer cells delays viral rebound following interruption of anti-retroviral therapy in humanized mice infected with HIV-1. Utilizing genetically barcoded virus technology, we show these natural killer cells efficiently reduced viral clones rebounding from latency. Moreover, a kick and kill strategy comprised of the protein kinase C modulator and latency reversing agent SUW133 and allogeneic human peripheral blood natural killer cells during anti-retroviral therapy eliminated the viral reservoir in a subset of mice. Therefore, combinations utilizing latency reversal agents with targeted cellular killing agents may be an effective approach to eradicating the viral reservoir.

Use of shockwave intravascular lithotripsy for the treatment of calcified renal artery stenosis in a symptomatic subject

Aim: The use of shockwave lithotripsy for the treatment of heavily calcified atherosclerotic plaques before stenting showed great results in terms of feasibility and safety with favorable initial success. Evidence suggests that it is a useful tool to treat calcified lesions in peripheral and coronary arteries. Here, we describe the case of a patient with calcified renal artery stenosis successfully treated with the shockwave lithotripsy system. Case Report: We present a 76-year-old man with a known significant atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis and refractory hypertension. The patient received an angioplasty of the right renal artery in the first session and he was admitted for a second session to intervene in the left renal artery. The lesion was successfully treated with the lithotripsy system. Final angiography demonstrated an excellent position of the stent and good wall apposition. Conclusion: Our clinical case demonstrates that lithotripsy is safe and effective also for the treatment of the renal artery.